Posted on 06/03/2017 4:00:01 PM PDT by Libloather
Boeing is set to deliver a refueling tanker that can gas up a jet in midair in complete darkness -- the first of its kind.
The U.S. Air Force is buying 179 of the new KC-46 'Pegasus' tankers, which are set to begin delivery at the end of this year.
The Air Force has had stealthy jets for decades, but even they have to turn on their lights when refueling in the sky. The KC-46's ability to gas up an aircraft in complete darkness is a first for any military.
(Excerpt) Read more at money.cnn.com ...
It seems like FOREVER to get this contract done.
They are still flying the old 707s (KC 135) that are older than ME. Holding them together with what parts they can scavenge.
Thank GOD this will be the new platform!
My niece is a Boom operator on one of the ones now used. I sent this to her Thanks
This is a flying gas station?
Where’s the slushie Machine?
I don’t know that much about the topic, but isn’t the current refueling platform the KC-10? 707s still doing refueling duty sounds hard to believe.
Both platforms are used.
More stable to refuel behind a KC-10.
KC-135 is an old workhorse and I spend a lot of time behind that jet, getting a top-off.
Both platforms are used.
More stable to refuel behind a KC-10.
KC-135 is an old workhorse and I spend a lot of time behind that jet, getting a top-off.
Interesting to know. I had no idea KC-135s were still operational. I helped build the KC-10’s boom operator cockpit area back in my youth. I can’t imagine what it must be like to hook up to the receiving end in flight.
Over 165 of the KC135s in active duty:
http://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104524/kc-135-stratotanker/
hard to believe, I know.
The KC-10s were a small purchase and were never meant to replace the KC-135s. the 135s are still the mainstay of our refueling mission although they have been revamped several times.
Where is the KC sushi?
I worked in Renton on KC135 refueling boom and in the fuel cells in 56 and 57.
I work for a flying squadron, refuelers. We almost got the first of these new tankers assigned to our base but lost out to Seymour-Johnson. Still, we’re hoping that one day we’ll get these.
KC-135 are the aircrafts my pilots and boom operators fly.
And where does the Patel family sell you lottery tickets?
Seriously, I was talking to a young man, parents are from India. He told me they are living the drean, they own a gas station here in the US.
Well hello. Nice to meet you.
Fill-er-up, and please get the windows and check the oil.
It is about Damon time isn’t it?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.