On the 29th of June, the jet took off from McConnell Air Force base and flew west. It landed 45 hours later back at McConnell completing an around the world journey.
Along the way, the Pegasus also air refueled various aircraft including the C-17 Globemaster III, multiple B-2 bombers, F-15E Strike Eagles, and another KC-46.
In order to accomplish such a feat and join the likes of other aircraft that have accomplished a similar feat, the jet also needed to be refueled along the journey. Two KC-46 jets were sent to Guam in advance of the record setting flight. A KC-135 from McConnell was sent to RAF Mildenhall. An additional Stratotanker was sent to the Middle East. There were additional backup aircraft available in case of contingency.
In order to accomplish the mission, the KC-46 crew compliment consisted of 4 experienced pilots, two boom operators, a flight surgeon, and two flying crew chiefs. The crewmembers took shifts, alternating between operating the jet and resting as the jet continued around the world.
While this super-augmented 48-hour day might not become the norm, the article released by Air Mobility Command did seem to indicate that this could be an option available in the future for mission planners. Brig Gen Donahue, Director of Operation for Strategic and Nuclear Integration at Air Mobility Command said, “Not only is the duration of this sortie notable, but we are completing it with just two basic crews. Previously, three pilots were able to fly as an ‘augmented’ crew for up to 24 hours. Going forward, AMC is looking to have a crew of four pilots operating for up to 48 hours.”
Not the first aircraft to accomplish the feat
Flying around the world nonstop is still a fairly rare occurrence. The KC-46 is not the first aircraft to make the journey nonstop though. Back in 1949, a B-50 named Lucky Lady II, made the first around the world trip non-stop in 94 hours. The Rutan Voyager also accomplished the feat in 1986 without any refueling.
Virgin’s Global Flyer also accomplished the feat in 2005 with Steve Fosset at the controls.
Along the way, the Pegasus also air refueled various aircraft including the C-17 Globemaster III, multiple B-2 bombers, F-15E Strike Eagles, and another KC-46.
In order to accomplish such a feat and join the likes of other aircraft that have accomplished a similar feat, the jet also needed to be refueled along the journey. Two KC-46 jets were sent to Guam in advance of the record setting flight. A KC-135 from McConnell was sent to RAF Mildenhall. An additional Stratotanker was sent to the Middle East. There were additional backup aircraft available in case of contingency.
In order to accomplish the mission, the KC-46 crew compliment consisted of 4 experienced pilots, two boom operators, a flight surgeon, and two flying crew chiefs. The crewmembers took shifts, alternating between operating the jet and resting as the jet continued around the world.
While this super-augmented 48-hour day might not become the norm, the article released by Air Mobility Command did seem to indicate that this could be an option available in the future for mission planners. Brig Gen Donahue, Director of Operation for Strategic and Nuclear Integration at Air Mobility Command said, “Not only is the duration of this sortie notable, but we are completing it with just two basic crews. Previously, three pilots were able to fly as an ‘augmented’ crew for up to 24 hours. Going forward, AMC is looking to have a crew of four pilots operating for up to 48 hours.”
Not the first aircraft to accomplish the feat
Flying around the world nonstop is still a fairly rare occurrence. The KC-46 is not the first aircraft to make the journey nonstop though. Back in 1949, a B-50 named Lucky Lady II, made the first around the world trip non-stop in 94 hours. The Rutan Voyager also accomplished the feat in 1986 without any refueling.
Virgin’s Global Flyer also accomplished the feat in 2005 with Steve Fosset at the controls.
He was the first person to circumnavigate the solo globe nonstop.
No comments:
Post a Comment