AMC approves KC-46 for more operational refueling taskings

Air Mobility Command has approved the KC-46 Pegasus for an additional mission set, a move that makes the new tanker available to refuel the AC-130J, HC-130J, MC-130J, C-5M and E-3G for U.S. Transportation Command missions.

To date, the KC-46 has been approved for four interim capability releases to allow TRANSCOM to leverage the aerial refueler before it is officially designated as combat-ready -- a milestone that has been pushed to 2024.

According to an AMC press release this week, the Pegasus can now support almost 70% of all receiver aircraft that rely on TRANSCOM refueling support.

The newest ICR follows a decision in October to allow the tanker to refuel F-15 and F-16 fighter aircraft.