A Navy tacair pilot perspective: The 46 is an excellent tanker. I've had the opportunity to receive from all of the tanker aircraft, and one thing that you didn't discuss was that the Pegasus has a boom and a drogue at all times. Navy fighters are all drogue receivers, so when a KC-135 has to tank them they replace the end of the boom with a hard sided basket, and the pilot has to maintain a specific position relative to the end of the boom to receive fuel. The 135 has the nickname "The Iron Maiden" because falling out of or failing to get into that hard basket has been the cause of many damaged IFR probes, AOA probes, and scratched-up radomes (speaking from experience n a few of those). The 46 has a "soft" sided basket, and because it is always available by just raising the boom completely and deploying it, there is no extra prep or mission planning to have that capability in flight. Best way to get across the Pacific Ocean was gas from a 46.
The A330MRTT does automatic refueling with the boom and has the option of three additional drogues (2 wing + 1 centerline). ua-cam.com/video/Jdui1qAtnNM/v-deo.html
Its a great aircraft when it aint broke. Whats not mentioned is its C2 and NTISR capabilities through ABMS which is what really sets it apart from legacy tankers
I was a painter in the Air Force. When sanding the fighters, I noticed the gouges at the refueling port. The skid plate was doing it's job. I also worked on the KC-135 in Milwaukee. I sure miss the Air Force back in the 80's.
@@MADmoscheand if I’m incorrect with assuming you’re asking what gouges are. Nobody’s perfect, boom operators deal with turbulence and wind gusts or mistakes from the receiver pilot. It’s normal for there to be some damage when two aircraft are making contact doing 300+mph.
@@cookie14467 Lol what's your point? The US Air Force is the only operator of some of these aircraft...how else is Sam going to take tours and fly on them?
As a few have asked, it would be fun to see a video on how this plane was selected. As the KC-45A (Airbus A330MRT) DESTROYS the KC-46 on every metric. (3 contracts to select the succesor of the KC-135, plagued with corruption, and the last one "designed" so Boeing was the winner).
The 46 was built to a much larger role, suitable to replace or augment the KC-10 fleet, and was NEVER designed to augment or replace the KC-135 fleet, which is what the USAF specifically asked for, AND WHICH EADS DID NOT LISTEN TO. AF asked for a donkey, EADS offered a cow. Totally not appropriate. It's a great cow, but not what the AF was asking for. How hard is that to understand?
@@L1GHT-1097 The US was putting their eggs in both baskets. The A330 is not better in every statistic... especially when you don't even know the full stats on the pegasus
@@andrewasciutto1420 Yeah, we know the stats and we know that the new camera's were so scuffed that when refuelling, there were conditions that made the camera view blinded... So advanced, that a window was better.
@@smoketinytom New planes have issues. Did you watch the video? Evnentually we're going to be refueling without people. To advance technology we must solve issues, even unforseen ones.
Didn't the Air Force want to go with the A330 MRTT built at Airbus' US factory but ended up being lobbied by Boeing to go with this over-priced and delayed tanker instead?
Paul Stewart did a video on this aircraft a little bit ago. Despite the limits of AF PAO restrictions, you both made great videos that are different enough to enjoy both in close proximity!
Thanks for your video. You claim it's the most advanced refueling tanker. A honest comparison with Airbus A330 MRTT or A400M Atlas and KC-46 Pegasus would be really interesting. Might need to find another sponsor though ;)
flew in a KC-97 refueling a PRANG F-104 as an AFROTC cadet in the 70s & I was right there with the boom operator...absolutely awesome experience I will never forget...wheels up! ✈
During my 26 year career in the Air Force, I spent considerable time deploying with KC-10's aircraft. In 2007, the KC-47 almost did not happen. The new tanker was previously selected the foreign made Airbus 330 initially selected as new tanker, but it was Congress that put a stop to that and gave Boeing a second chance to meet the new requirements of Air Force newest tanker.
The A330MRTT the USAF chose was to be built in Alabama with GE engines. So not 'foreign' at all. It was outright corrupt politics that stopped the deal and forced a rerun on terms that favoured the smaller KC-46 boondoggle and that is what the USAF has had to deal with ever since rather than the proven (with 7 air forces) A330MRTT.
Thank you Sam for bringing our Armed Services to the new generation of kids. Showing them it's not all in a trench fighting. There are jobs that are cool.
It fascinates me when I think of the countless hours of work to make this happen. So many talented and skilled people that design and build such aircraft. Boeing has been taking lots of heat lately, well, I think they did right on this one. Great video Sam👍
Having taken countless 135 flights it's so weird to even think about needing a fridge. The floor of the 135 is cold enough on most flights to freeze the water in your water bottle.
Fortunately, the KC-135 isn't at the end of its service life just yet, it is predicted to be in service until at least 2030, which is good because the KC-46 fleet is still young and less than 100 have been built so having the 135 as a option to fallback on does help.
Wow, I would have been a boom operator back in your Dad’s days at McConnell. I was in both the 384th and 350th ARS. I had the chance to train crews in the new Pacer CRAG avionics in the KC-135. Fun times!
I had the opportunity to install the internal mechanisms in the aft section with the time working in the Everett plant. The most pride i had knowing my hands were on these planes and my name staying with it forever. Beautiful plane to assemble
Actually they can put a small camera on the tip of the fuel pipe so it will be easier to aim i guess. Like keep these existing cameras but add a small camera
Several of us got to fly in a KC-135 from Topeka, KS to southern New Mexico and refuel 2 B1 Bombers. I got to be in the cockpit on take-off and we all got to lay next to the boom man and watch the refueling. A trip I'll never forget.
The really funny thing is, that the A330 MRTT was awarded the original USAF contract, but then Congress came and overruled the Ar Force and gave the contract to Boeing and the KC-46.
Unfortunately the USAF will never admit that the KC46 won in a rigged contest and the A330MRTT have always been the better option! Which is why other than the US and allies like Japan & Israel, so far no other countries have bought the Pegasus
A330MRTT is massive, based off the Airbus. Can transport troops and vehicles in addition to fuel. This craft has the latest tech in a smaller more versatile long range air fueler. It does not carry as many troops or trucks. Not to mention Pegasus is just getting out of final development. One is just bigger that has been in production, this is newer, sleeker and better range. Both are purpose oriented. Bigger isn’t always better in some theaters.
@@veegames3364 What a load of yank Bs dude .... Since when do Yanks not buy the biggest of anything? Especially air tankers. At least the A330MRTT does everything it is supposed to do unlike the KC-46 Boondoggle.
I actually weld the Kc 46 tanker mid air refueling parts it’s insane to see this video pop up and see the multiple parts I’ve welded put together as a single unit
Awesome Video! I was stationed at McConnell as a Firefighters 1995 to 2002. I separated to be a DoD civilian Firefighter at Westover Air Reserve Base in MA.
hence the word “variant”. Pratt powered triples had Pratt 4000 SERIES engines. 4000 = series, the 62 =the thrust rating…so obviously they aren’t the SAME engines.
1:19 The first KC135 off the assembly line and the first to enter service. Tail 55-3118. Had a relative that flew on this plane in the early eighties when it had been converted to an Airborne Command Post. 👍
I retired from the AirForce before seeing the KC-46 in production, but I believe there is one other mission enhancement that can be added that was not discussed in this video. Like the KC-10, wing pods called "drogues" can be installed to allow up to two aircraft to be refueled simultaneously that use drogue type refueling.
Phenomenal video, Sam! Yes, the KC-46 has had some challenges the Air Force has had to deal with. But wow, what an advancement in the aerial refueling capabilities that will allow the Air Force to maintain a competitive advantage with our allies and foes. Consider the UH-72B Lakota helicopter for a future video. The South Carolina Army National Guard has some and I would be happy to get you in touch with our public affairs folks to see if we could arrange you coming out.
As much as Boeing absolutely screwed up the boom operators on the Pegasus and is now having to make it right, this aircraft does solve several deficiencies with the old Stratotaker. And I'm hoping it's a successful platform in the long run.
Hi Sam, awesome video on the KC-Pegasus, that's one very interesting hi tech tanker. Another fantastic video, looking forward to your next one. Have a great holiday. Al
Amazing, well-written and well-presented video. But it would have been nice if you'd given more info about the fuel itself. I mean, where and how is it stored? Eg in tanks on pallets? Or what. Anyway, keep up the good work 😊
The A330MRTT would have been the better choice. But Obama really wanted the Boeing plane, even though it was clearly inferior to the A330. It was not an objective but a political decision.
Final comment first, like the KC-10, when the last KC-46 is heading to the boneyard, a KC-135 will still be refueling aircraft. My Dream Tanker: The choice of the 767 airframe (designed in the 70's) was all political payoffs. Instead of a passenger airframe with only 2 engines, a purpose-built 4-engine (making it capable to complete missions on 3-engines if needed), refueling missions only (no cargo or passengers), capable of autonomous operations from an 8,000' long x 120' wide runway, where all basic pre/post-flight maintenance can be done via step-ladder, with a KC-10 style boom pod design but with KC -135 redundant systems to include manual gear/flap extention, and finally a small augmented crew rest area with bunks and full galley (with microwave, fridge, and oven). Refueling via boom and 3 reel drogues (2 built into wingtips and 1 centerline, all with Navy friendly soft baskets), and an air refueling receptacle for force extension. Boom pod will have cameras showing any aircraft positioned off the wings. Passive defensive systems against missile threats complete the ideal tanker package. Stepping off my Tanker soap box now. Retired KC-135 IBO, qualified in A, Q, R. and T models, back when gloves were required to be worn for all critical phases of flight.
and do not forget that USAF actually selected the Airbus based MRTT for it's KC-10 replacement, but this was reversed after political pressure to 'buy American'. The technology he talks of has been in use on the MRTT for 10 years!
Imagine making this video , so one day in a dystopian future after the world war III , and we see that we lost everything, we see these videos on youtube to see how technology was so advanced back in the day.
Hmmm... If the pilot on the training sortie used to fly E-3As, he certainly has flown air refueling sorties before as pilot of the receiving aircraft. I imagine that uncomfortable feeling in the gut of flying very close to another aircraft is extra tense when you have that other aircraft right in your face. As a former E-3A crew member I've been fortunate to sit up in the cockpit during a couple air refuelings. It's a cool experience.
5:29 Civilian and aviation enthusiast here, using terms like gas when you’re dealing with hundred million dollar pieces of equipment, Billions for B-2 & eventual B-21. Pumping 100LL into the receiver plane in the middle of the Atlantic would probably cause an engine fire, a flame out and a subsequent splash
Aside from the European operators of A330 MRTT, it has also been ordered/operated by Australia, Brazil, Canada, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Singapore. That tells me its a better tanker than the KC-46 alone. Thats before considering its flexibility and incredible fuel capacity.
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) is also planning to introduce up to 15 aircraft. Currently, four aircraft are in service. This camouflage paint with the red "Hinomaru" is cool, so please take a look if you like, from a Japanese otaku.
@ CC is pretty nice especially since if you’re waiting on crew and it’s winter time there’s actual controlled heating but other than that I dont know much since I’m avionics. All I know that it’s pretty much the same thing everyday for CC
@ Oh for sure, I just know on CC side it’s way way way easier being much newer to fix and the flying crew chief program is much larger than B-52s and the TDYs are more frequent and to more locations.
@ yes but at least for McConnell all the CC slots are full for FCC so there’s a huge waitlist while for avionics we have only 1 FCC for the time being since me and one other person in my shop are getting tasked signed off the be one. But the trips are usually really nice and the jet really doesn’t have too much issues while tdy
The title is incomplete: [...] most advanced in the US Air Force. Other Air Forces (mainly Europeans) are using the A330MRTT which is the best in class
KC-46 Pegasus ☑️. Which aircraft should I cover next?
Lockheed CP-140 Aurora
Can you do a video on the F-16?
Do the B52. Alot is already known but your in depth videos would be great for the B52
F-16 is Nice van you take that aircraft
B-2
A Navy tacair pilot perspective: The 46 is an excellent tanker. I've had the opportunity to receive from all of the tanker aircraft, and one thing that you didn't discuss was that the Pegasus has a boom and a drogue at all times. Navy fighters are all drogue receivers, so when a KC-135 has to tank them they replace the end of the boom with a hard sided basket, and the pilot has to maintain a specific position relative to the end of the boom to receive fuel. The 135 has the nickname "The Iron Maiden" because falling out of or failing to get into that hard basket has been the cause of many damaged IFR probes, AOA probes, and scratched-up radomes (speaking from experience n a few of those). The 46 has a "soft" sided basket, and because it is always available by just raising the boom completely and deploying it, there is no extra prep or mission planning to have that capability in flight. Best way to get across the Pacific Ocean was gas from a 46.
The A330MRTT does automatic refueling with the boom and has the option of three additional drogues (2 wing + 1 centerline).
ua-cam.com/video/Jdui1qAtnNM/v-deo.html
@@heikojakob6491 french things sucks
@@heikojakob6491 The 46 will have the wing pods also, as soon as the FAA certifies them. This is not a Boeing issue.
@@rogerd777Of course this is a Boeing issue. They have to design such a good product that it can be approved by the FAA.
Its a great aircraft when it aint broke. Whats not mentioned is its C2 and NTISR capabilities through ABMS which is what really sets it apart from legacy tankers
I was a painter in the Air Force. When sanding the fighters, I noticed the gouges at the refueling port. The skid plate was doing it's job. I also worked on the KC-135 in Milwaukee. I sure miss the Air Force back in the 80's.
Gouges?
@@MADmoscheas in, deep cuts, scrapes, grooves - damage from metal on metal contact.
@@MADmoscheand if I’m incorrect with assuming you’re asking what gouges are. Nobody’s perfect, boom operators deal with turbulence and wind gusts or mistakes from the receiver pilot. It’s normal for there to be some damage when two aircraft are making contact doing 300+mph.
@@alanm3438 corrected the misspelling after I pointed it out :)
@@TheEvanAlmightyy It was previously misspelled. I assumed they meant “gouges”
Wow thank you! The Boeing ad convinced me. I'm gonna order one!
i got approved for one this morning.. only a $300 a month payment for 200 years.. only 2% APR
@@jeffreyrose4240 more like 20,000 years bruh...before interest lol
@@SpiralOut86 i knew my financial advisor was fraud
This entire channel is an ad for the us Air Force. Good videos but I don’t think many people realize this
@@cookie14467 Lol what's your point? The US Air Force is the only operator of some of these aircraft...how else is Sam going to take tours and fly on them?
As a few have asked, it would be fun to see a video on how this plane was selected. As the KC-45A (Airbus A330MRT) DESTROYS the KC-46 on every metric. (3 contracts to select the succesor of the KC-135, plagued with corruption, and the last one "designed" so Boeing was the winner).
The 46 was built to a much larger role, suitable to replace or augment the KC-10 fleet, and was NEVER designed to augment or replace the KC-135 fleet, which is what the USAF specifically asked for, AND WHICH EADS DID NOT LISTEN TO. AF asked for a donkey, EADS offered a cow. Totally not appropriate. It's a great cow, but not what the AF was asking for. How hard is that to understand?
@@Turboy65 Airbus won the tender in teh first place. Then it was changed to Boeings specifications.
@@Turboy65 they changed it so they can ask for a donkey.
@@ArnoSchmidt70 Northrop Grumman/Airbus actually won the tender twice before it was stolen from them.
This channel caters for the US military, that's not the type of content you will see here...
The KC-46 is so fantasticly good, that Italy just announced to chancel it's orders and buy Airbusses instead.
yes, its pretty obvious that italy prefers a european plane to an american one... this doesn't mean it better
Uh the u.s was going with the airbus. But then boeing lobbied against it. The A330 is better in every statistic
@@L1GHT-1097 The US was putting their eggs in both baskets. The A330 is not better in every statistic... especially when you don't even know the full stats on the pegasus
@@andrewasciutto1420 Yeah, we know the stats and we know that the new camera's were so scuffed that when refuelling, there were conditions that made the camera view blinded... So advanced, that a window was better.
@@smoketinytom New planes have issues. Did you watch the video? Evnentually we're going to be refueling without people. To advance technology we must solve issues, even unforseen ones.
All this technology was already present long before in the Airbus A330 MRTT, which is still the most sophisticated today.
Didn't the Air Force want to go with the A330 MRTT built at Airbus' US factory but ended up being lobbied by Boeing to go with this over-priced and delayed tanker instead?
@@bssw218 yup. Boeing receives government subsidies through overpriced military contracts.
I can’t wait for some diverse videos! Try the Navy SEABEES or the E2 Hawkeye squadrons.
Paul Stewart did a video on this aircraft a little bit ago. Despite the limits of AF PAO restrictions, you both made great videos that are different enough to enjoy both in close proximity!
As someone who lives near McConnell AFB, I appreciate the in-depth video about the KC-46
Great video sam! feels like your editing and presentation only gets better with each video
Thanks for your video. You claim it's the most advanced refueling tanker. A honest comparison with Airbus A330 MRTT or A400M
Atlas and KC-46 Pegasus would be really interesting. Might need to find another sponsor though ;)
When I saw you uploaded I just got excited. Love seeing the heavy USAF aircraft. Thanks for making such amazing content
I agree with you😁
11:37 our boy rocking the Seiko SSK-001 GMT 🤘😎
flew in a KC-97 refueling a PRANG F-104 as an AFROTC cadet in the 70s & I was right there with the boom operator...absolutely awesome experience I will never forget...wheels up! ✈
During my 26 year career in the Air Force, I spent considerable time deploying with KC-10's aircraft. In 2007, the KC-47 almost did not happen. The new tanker was previously selected the foreign made Airbus 330 initially selected as new tanker, but it was Congress that put a stop to that and gave Boeing a second chance to meet the new requirements of Air Force newest tanker.
The A330MRTT the USAF chose was to be built in Alabama with GE engines. So not 'foreign' at all. It was outright corrupt politics that stopped the deal and forced a rerun on terms that favoured the smaller KC-46 boondoggle and that is what the USAF has had to deal with ever since rather than the proven (with 7 air forces) A330MRTT.
How can you make a flawed decision process sound so fair. "new" requirements ? Come on.
Thank you Sam for bringing our Armed Services to the new generation of kids. Showing them it's not all in a trench fighting. There are jobs that are cool.
It fascinates me when I think of the countless hours of work to make this happen. So many talented and skilled people that design and build such aircraft. Boeing has been taking lots of heat lately, well, I think they did right on this one. Great video Sam👍
Your government should have listened to the US military personnel choosing Airbus' & Northrop Grumman's KC-45 over this.
Why?
@@kendoman3150 beats 46 on literally every metric, most importantly - it was a proven design.
A330 Mrtt so much advanced
Facts
Let’s Go!!! Wichita Represent!!! I also got to help design some small detail parts as an intern across the street at Spirit AeroSystems ✈️
Having taken countless 135 flights it's so weird to even think about needing a fridge. The floor of the 135 is cold enough on most flights to freeze the water in your water bottle.
Far nicer interior than the KC-135. Not much insulation in those, so this would be a far more pleasant plane to be inside.
Fortunately, the KC-135 isn't at the end of its service life just yet, it is predicted to be in service until at least 2030, which is good because the KC-46 fleet is still young and less than 100 have been built so having the 135 as a option to fallback on does help.
Another fine video from the Public Affairs Officer of the Air Force.
He’s not in the Air Force any more
@@Mckjku16 I know, but he was.
Wow, I would have been a boom operator back in your Dad’s days at McConnell. I was in both the 384th and 350th ARS. I had the chance to train crews in the new Pacer CRAG avionics in the KC-135. Fun times!
Stationed there in the late 90s as well, neat to see it again after all these years.
I had the opportunity to install the internal mechanisms in the aft section with the time working in the Everett plant. The most pride i had knowing my hands were on these planes and my name staying with it forever. Beautiful plane to assemble
What should you cover next? The retrofitting of the new tanker to add a window for the boom operator to actually accomplish the mission.
that's what I was thinking. a window isn't gonna short out, fail to boot or just plain stop working, like those cameras/monitors
Or they could fit the Airbus remote boom system that has never failed in the first place.
Actually they can put a small camera on the tip of the fuel pipe so it will be easier to aim i guess. Like keep these existing cameras but add a small camera
Several of us got to fly in a KC-135 from Topeka, KS to southern New Mexico and refuel 2 B1 Bombers. I got to be in the cockpit on take-off and we all got to lay next to the boom man and watch the refueling. A trip I'll never forget.
That aircraft is super cool thank you for the video.
Europeans are like NOP A330 MRTT ftw 😅🙌 with auto boom refueling 🎉
The really funny thing is, that the A330 MRTT was awarded the original USAF contract, but then Congress came and overruled the Ar Force and gave the contract to Boeing and the KC-46.
The boom pod on the older ones looks a lot more fun and intuitive. Tech is taking the fun out of everything. Good Vid and thanks for showing.
Not when you are lying on your stomach for a few hours.
Watching the refuel on a tv just isn’t the same , like you said. Maybe one day it can actually replace the 135. NKAWTG
Unfortunately the USAF will never admit that the KC46 won in a rigged contest and the A330MRTT have always been the better option! Which is why other than the US and allies like Japan & Israel, so far no other countries have bought the Pegasus
A330MRTT is massive, based off the Airbus. Can transport troops and vehicles in addition to fuel. This craft has the latest tech in a smaller more versatile long range air fueler. It does not carry as many troops or trucks. Not to mention Pegasus is just getting out of final development. One is just bigger that has been in production, this is newer, sleeker and better range. Both are purpose oriented. Bigger isn’t always better in some theaters.
@@veegames3364 What a load of yank Bs dude .... Since when do Yanks not buy the biggest of anything? Especially air tankers.
At least the A330MRTT does everything it is supposed to do unlike the KC-46 Boondoggle.
The videos also sponsored by Boeing. Just let our boy Sam make these awesome videos in peace 😂
@@BRETTLYBOOST you spelled Booeing wrong
My dad flew the KC-97 when I was a kid, made for an interesting life growing up!
I’m a electrician on the 135 and did the first mission for the 46 over 40 hour mission so seeing this is amazing
Thanks , These guys are ROCK STARS !!!
It’s crazy to me that they build this airplane without thrust reversers.
Weight and cost savings.
Another excellent video Sam. Keep up the great work. Thank you.
We lost the kc-10 and I dont wanna lose the the kc-135 I grew up with both of em.. ❤
Oh my God, what a Vlog I love these aircraft so much and I love learning about military stuff. I’m so fascinated about planes.
it is airCRAFT, not CRAFTS
Sam you get unbelievable access for your videos. Great content and description of this unique aircraft.
This video is very well done. Thanks Sam!
I actually weld the Kc 46 tanker mid air refueling parts it’s insane to see this video pop up and see the multiple parts I’ve welded put together as a single unit
Awesome Video! I was stationed at McConnell as a Firefighters 1995 to 2002. I separated to be a DoD civilian Firefighter at Westover Air Reserve Base in MA.
It was an interesting video to watch and nice to see a pilot of Ukrainian heritage at 17:09.
As usual, great material. A beautiful and surprisingly necessary machine 👍🏻
And Mrs. Senior Airman is beautiful ☺
Those engines were NOT used on the 777. The 777 engines produce up to 115000 lbs of thrust.
hence the word “variant”. Pratt powered triples had Pratt 4000 SERIES engines. 4000 = series, the 62 =the thrust rating…so obviously they aren’t the SAME engines.
I got to sit inside a KC-46 and talk to the people who fly it at Oshkosh from McConnell. That was Airventure 2022
These vehicles are the perfect blend of innovation and durability
1:19 The first KC135 off the assembly line and the first to enter service. Tail 55-3118. Had a relative that flew on this plane in the early eighties when it had been converted to an Airborne Command Post. 👍
Sam deserves the world! These videos are soo good
Dude, if you don't have The Coolest Job in the world - I don't know who does!
Great job on this!
I saw the production line of this aircraft in Everett, WA. It's a super cool airplane!
I retired from the AirForce before seeing the KC-46 in production, but I believe there is one other mission enhancement that can be added that was not discussed in this video. Like the KC-10, wing pods called "drogues" can be installed to allow up to two aircraft to be refueled simultaneously that use drogue type refueling.
Born in Wichita? That's cool. I love McConnell even though I've only been there twice.
Phenomenal video, Sam! Yes, the KC-46 has had some challenges the Air Force has had to deal with. But wow, what an advancement in the aerial refueling capabilities that will allow the Air Force to maintain a competitive advantage with our allies and foes. Consider the UH-72B Lakota helicopter for a future video. The South Carolina Army National Guard has some and I would be happy to get you in touch with our public affairs folks to see if we could arrange you coming out.
'Advantages'? How so when they all operate the bigger and more capable and better built A330MRTT and have done for years.
You do in fact need hearing protection on in the back of this aircraft, a 12 hour flight will leave you with tinnitus 13:50
Awesome video as always - pity you couldn’t show more of the B2 refuelling but it’s probably classified….
no
Sam never disappoints when releasing videos!
Good clip, well presented. As a few others have commented, the KC-30 would give it more than a run for its money.
As much as Boeing absolutely screwed up the boom operators on the Pegasus and is now having to make it right, this aircraft does solve several deficiencies with the old Stratotaker. And I'm hoping it's a successful platform in the long run.
Pegasus is a cool aircraft. Thanks for the video!
It is it is always great when Sam posts
Hi Sam, awesome video on the KC-Pegasus, that's one very interesting hi tech tanker. Another fantastic video, looking forward to your next one. Have a great holiday. Al
what a phenomenal video. Subscribed !
didnt expect boeing to be the sponsor, makes me want to buy one
Amazing, well-written and well-presented video. But it would have been nice if you'd given more info about the fuel itself. I mean, where and how is it stored? Eg in tanks on pallets? Or what.
Anyway, keep up the good work 😊
I love the 767 airframe!! And the 777 and 707 airframe hopefully the KC-135 doesn’t go out of service for a while
Sam’s catching models like pokemon
The max air endurance flight with the KC-46 is 45hrs!!
Despite what Sam said, there is a limit for any aircraft: engine oil.
The A330MRTT would have been the better choice. But Obama really wanted the Boeing plane, even though it was clearly inferior to the A330. It was not an objective but a political decision.
Final comment first, like the KC-10, when the last KC-46 is heading to the boneyard, a KC-135 will still be refueling aircraft.
My Dream Tanker:
The choice of the 767 airframe (designed in the 70's) was all political payoffs. Instead of a passenger airframe with only 2 engines, a purpose-built 4-engine (making it capable to complete missions on 3-engines if needed), refueling missions only (no cargo or passengers), capable of autonomous operations from an 8,000' long x 120' wide runway, where all basic pre/post-flight maintenance can be done via step-ladder, with a KC-10 style boom pod design but with KC -135 redundant systems to include manual gear/flap extention, and finally a small augmented crew rest area with bunks and full galley (with microwave, fridge, and oven). Refueling via boom and 3 reel drogues (2 built into wingtips and 1 centerline, all with Navy friendly soft baskets), and an air refueling receptacle for force extension. Boom pod will have cameras showing any aircraft positioned off the wings. Passive defensive systems against missile threats complete the ideal tanker package.
Stepping off my Tanker soap box now.
Retired KC-135 IBO, qualified in A, Q, R. and T models, back when gloves were required to be worn for all critical phases of flight.
and do not forget that USAF actually selected the Airbus based MRTT for it's KC-10 replacement, but this was reversed after political pressure to 'buy American'. The technology he talks of has been in use on the MRTT for 10 years!
Awesome video Sam. Like usual.😊
Refueling a Refueling plane is insane
when the video is so good even Boeing sponsored it
Another great USAF video Sam AND crew Thanks and looking forward for your next production
Very good video, I'm at a Base that has the KC135, it will be awhile before we see the new ones.
I saw a pair of these flying slowly overhead 2 days ago, no surprise being 30 minutes fly time south of MoodyAFB.
Awesome video man
Imagine making this video , so one day in a dystopian future after the world war III , and we see that we lost everything, we see these videos on youtube to see how technology was so advanced back in the day.
Great video! Could you make an F-16 video next?
keep up the good work and keep these amazing vidoes coming
Awesome video Sam No One kicks Ass without Tanker Gas! NKAWTG
When we getting that C-17 video?
Hmmm... If the pilot on the training sortie used to fly E-3As, he certainly has flown air refueling sorties before as pilot of the receiving aircraft. I imagine that uncomfortable feeling in the gut of flying very close to another aircraft is extra tense when you have that other aircraft right in your face. As a former E-3A crew member I've been fortunate to sit up in the cockpit during a couple air refuelings. It's a cool experience.
The 157th Aerial Refueling Wing was the first ANG unit to receive the KC-46 and I've seen them flying in and out of Pease AFB.
This guy gets sponsors you normally wouldn't
OH brand new this was just yesterday! thanks!
5:29 Civilian and aviation enthusiast here, using terms like gas when you’re dealing with hundred million dollar pieces of equipment, Billions for B-2 & eventual B-21. Pumping 100LL into the receiver plane in the middle of the Atlantic would probably cause an engine fire, a flame out and a subsequent splash
IN THE US AIRFRCE years behind MRT 330
This channel is an avgeek favourite
Aside from the European operators of A330 MRTT, it has also been ordered/operated by Australia, Brazil, Canada, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Singapore. That tells me its a better tanker than the KC-46 alone. Thats before considering its flexibility and incredible fuel capacity.
Great video for sure. SRA Miller is beautiful!!!!
Nobody Kicks Ass Without Tanker Gas
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) is also planning to introduce up to 15 aircraft. Currently, four aircraft are in service. This camouflage paint with the red "Hinomaru" is cool, so please take a look if you like, from a Japanese otaku.
Literally a perfect video, I am pushing to get transferred to this airframe
What shop are you? I’m already working on the 46
@ APG/Crew Chief on the B52s currently
@ CC is pretty nice especially since if you’re waiting on crew and it’s winter time there’s actual controlled heating but other than that I dont know much since I’m avionics. All I know that it’s pretty much the same thing everyday for CC
@ Oh for sure, I just know on CC side it’s way way way easier being much newer to fix and the flying crew chief program is much larger than B-52s and the TDYs are more frequent and to more locations.
@ yes but at least for McConnell all the CC slots are full for FCC so there’s a huge waitlist while for avionics we have only 1 FCC for the time being since me and one other person in my shop are getting tasked signed off the be one. But the trips are usually really nice and the jet really doesn’t have too much issues while tdy
The title is incomplete: [...] most advanced in the US Air Force.
Other Air Forces (mainly Europeans) are using the A330MRTT which is the best in class