Inside The Air Force's Newest Refueling Tanker | KC-46 Pegasus

[@SamEckholm]

KC-46 Pegasus ☑️. Which aircraft should I cover next?

[@abloodygenderfluidmaniac979]

Lockheed CP-140 Aurora

[@ThatSpaceDude-s8s]

Can you do a video on the F-16?

[@3amdion860]

Do the B52. Alot is already known but your in depth videos would be great for the B52

[@Timmeke522]

F-16 is Nice van you take that aircraft

[@WaseemAyoub-vn1yq]

B-2

[@kreiseltower]

Wow thank you! The Boeing ad convinced me. I'm gonna order one!

[@jeffreyrose4240]

i got approved for one this morning.. only a $300 a month payment for 200 years.. only 2% APR

[@SpiralOut86]

@@jeffreyrose4240 more like 20,000 years bruh...before interest lol

[@jeffreyrose4240]

@@SpiralOut86 i knew my financial advisor was fraud

[@cookie14467]

This entire channel is an ad for the us Air Force. Good videos but I don’t think many people realize this

[@SpiralOut86]

@@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?

[@harrisonkubena9938]

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.

[@heikojakob6491]

The A330MRTT does automatic refueling with the boom and has the option of three additional drogues (2 wing + 1 centerline). kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJXYmmSndtmhhK8

[@JeanBatiste5158]

​@@heikojakob6491 french things sucks

[@rogerd777]

@@heikojakob6491 The 46 will have the wing pods also, as soon as the FAA certifies them. This is not a Boeing issue.

[@fkaptijn7111]

​@@rogerd777Of course this is a Boeing issue. They have to design such a good product that it can be approved by the FAA.

[@ethanhiggins4887]

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

[@LtGunz]

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! ✈

[@gagewoods5767]

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

[@Rhedogian3141]

Great video sam! feels like your editing and presentation only gets better with each video

[@ICT-16jn]

As someone who lives near McConnell AFB, I appreciate the in-depth video about the KC-46

[@ae5646]

I can’t wait for some diverse videos! Try the Navy SEABEES or the E2 Hawkeye squadrons.

[@stephenbritton9297]

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!

[@MrGoodnplenty1957]

Great video. I was stationed at McConnell from 1980-1984 and my crew was the first one trained on the KC-135R. I retired in 1999 as a KC-10 Instructor Boom Operator. On the 10's we sat down instead of lying down as in the 135's. I'm old school and the camera view of the refueling looks too much like the old KC-10 simulator views. I hope they get the 3-D system together, as most of us retirees would prefer to visually see the receiver. Again, a very good video. Thanks for the IAB memories. "Boom Stowed, Leaving Position."

[@RobertShaw-fl3os]

Fellow AF Veteran Thank You for your service . Belated Congratulations on your retirement . Did you like being stationed at McConnell AFB I did .

[@zannehorrell]

When I saw you uploaded I just got excited. Love seeing the heavy USAF aircraft. Thanks for making such amazing content

[@AsherHarman]

I agree with you😁

[@jerrychurchill8765]

I was a C-141 Flight Engineer and like the KC-46 the only real limitation for endurance in flight was the Oil in the engines. The much older KC-97 over came that by installing an Oil Drum in the Cargo area where you could transfer oil to the engine requiring oil. Nice video !! Retired USAF Flight Engineer, Instructor and Examiner.

[@dolfsnyman3010]

Very impressed with the quality of the prductions. On par and even better than productions on formal TV channels. Never disappointed with the quality and content. Time well spent!

[@philcamm2055]

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.

[@TheMonthlyJack]

Not to mention it won the contest to be Americas new tanker in 2008.

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

While I'm not a fan of the KC-46 and Boeing's rollout of it, the A330 MRTT is not the better choice of tanker for the USAF. Sure, we can pigeon hole a scenario where the A330 MRTT is better. However, the A330 is not and will never be the best tanker for the USAF.

[@evrydayamerican]

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.

[@ericsmith5540]

Retired 135 guy here. I was at McConnel AFB recently and had the opportunity to see these doing touch and go's, very impressive! Thanks for sharing this awesome video!

[@CocoaBeachLiving]

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👍

[@roymoyeiii]

Let’s Go!!! Wichita Represent!!! I also got to help design some small detail parts as an intern across the street at Spirit AeroSystems ✈️

[@richs6205]

Sam you get unbelievable access for your videos. Great content and description of this unique aircraft.

[@wolfiejlc]

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 ;)

[@MrGoodnplenty1957]

I was a KC-135 boom operator from 1979-1986, and a KC-10 boom operator from 1986-1999 and would match the 10 against ANY tanker past or present. I guarantee those A330, A400, and yes, the KC-46 all got their ideals from the KC-10.

[@ypw510]

@@MrGoodnplenty1957 I've seen vids of former pilots saying that they liked tanking off a KC-10 over anything else. Apparently that was so common that KC-135 personnel would hear pilots say that over communications when they saw a KC-135 and they would respond "We got gas if you want it." I toured a KC-10 once at the 2014 Thunder Over Solano Airshow at Travis AFB. That thing was massive inside, although I've flown on a civilian MD-11 before. I got to sit in the boom operator's seat, by my wife and kid got to sit in the cockpit while I took a photo of them.

[@Marc-ww7cc]

@@MrGoodnplenty1957 you flew 25 years ago and you're confidently saying it's better than an aircraft you've never been on nor operated. Right-o! 😂

[@N-Scale]

Thanks , These guys are ROCK STARS !!!

[@claireparr4489]

Another brilliant video Sam! Incredibly informative and extremely interesting. I learned so much from this, including how the refueling happens on the KC-135, as well as the KC-46, which I didn't know before. Watching it on a big screen is great !! Now I can't wait to watch the KC-135 video ✈️😀👏👏

[@MCMXI1]

11:37 our boy rocking the Seiko SSK-001 GMT 🤘😎

[@jh_esports]

I love how enthusiastic that boom operator was about explaining her work

[@russvegaspd]

Stationed there in the late 90s as well, neat to see it again after all these years.

[@ArnoSchmidt70]

The KC-46 is so fantasticly good, that Italy just announced to chancel it's orders and buy Airbusses instead.

[@andrewasciutto1420]

yes, its pretty obvious that italy prefers a european plane to an american one... this doesn't mean it better

[@L1GHT-1097]

Uh the u.s was going with the airbus. But then boeing lobbied against it. The A330 is better in every statistic

[@andrewasciutto1420]

@@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

[@smoketinytom]

@@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.

[@andrewasciutto1420]

@@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.

[@RubenSchoevaerts]

That aircraft is super cool thank you for the video.

[@RichardStankiewicz-x3k]

Thank you for your service❤

[@Edgeofhumansoul]

As usual, great material. A beautiful and surprisingly necessary machine 👍🏻 And Mrs. Senior Airman is beautiful ☺

[@weatherherk1]

Airbus won that contract for the next tanker but Boeing cried about it and there was a rebid. Of course Boeing won the rebid but in the end couldn’t provide a FMC aircraft after many delays on the contract. The aircraft just got its boom issues fixed and is currently working operationally. Airbus would had been the better way to go but one could say you get what you pay for sometimes.

[@charlieroberts7775]

The A330 Airbus Tanker designed for the RAAF carries more fuel and has a longer range that the 767. Good luck with that.

[@womensrights]

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.

[@f.olivernog]

All this technology was already present long before in the Airbus A330 MRTT, which is still the most sophisticated today.

[@bssw218]

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?

[@arvedludwig3584]

@@bssw218 yup. Boeing receives government subsidies through overpriced military contracts.

[@Bob-fk8vd]

@@bssw218 Airbus did not submit an aircraft that meet the Air Force specifications. Their plane was actually too big. Boeing submitted a plane that for the specific specifications.

[@vollelektrolysierer5773]

@@Bob-fk8vd The USAF literally selected the KC-45A (A330 MRTT). Only after the GAO reopened the selection with different specifications and the USAF having been removed from the award process, did the KC-46 win as Northrop Grumman withdraw from the bid it saw heavily biased towards the KC-46.

[@glennk.7348]

Always so impressed with our young folks doing all of this.

[@alejandroelbachatitas6466]

A330 Mrtt so much advanced

[@MrErictyrones]

Facts

[@PlanesAreCool9520]

As is the KC-46

[@jimtrombley3625]

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!

[@pilotusa]

This is a very informative video. Thank you for posting. As a former KC-135 pilot and Boeing 767 captain, I really appreciated seeing the KC-46 reviewed.

[@wil8115]

proud to help build these. thank you for your service former and current vets.

[@ScienceAppliedForGood]

It was an interesting video to watch and nice to see a pilot of Ukrainian heritage at 17:09.

[@Justwanttohavefunatschool]

OH brand new this was just yesterday! thanks!

[@danoconnor3720]

Another fine video from the Public Affairs Officer of the Air Force.

[@Mckjku16]

He’s not in the Air Force any more

[@danoconnor3720]

@@Mckjku16 I know, but he was.

[@chewster59]

Sam never disappoints when releasing videos!

[@liwyatan]

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).

[@Turboy65]

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?

[@ArnoSchmidt70]

@@Turboy65 Airbus won the tender in teh first place. Then it was changed to Boeings specifications.

[@arvedludwig3584]

@@Turboy65 they changed it so they can ask for a donkey.

[@smeary10]

@@ArnoSchmidt70 Northrop Grumman/Airbus actually won the tender twice before it was stolen from them.

[@FlyingMaxFr]

This channel caters for the US military, that's not the type of content you will see here...

[@austingamble4497]

Sam deserves the world! These videos are soo good

[@Jonsoar]

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.

[@johnp139]

Not when you are lying on your stomach for a few hours.

[@kenhurley4441]

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.

[@TuboSYX]

Boeing sponsorship is nuts!! Congrats Sam!

[@alex9434-y1c]

It is it is always great when Sam posts

[@j.need4qlife483]

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.

[@1chish]

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.

[@pigmoonk2545]

How can you make a flawed decision process sound so fair. "new" requirements ? Come on.

[@ypw510]

The original plan was to lease what would have been called the KC-767 with a purchase option at the end of the lease. But that was put on hold and then cancelled because of corruption issues. I think a Pentagon staffer involve in the decision had a job offer with Boeing. She went to prison and several Boeing execs were fired or resigned. I guess the KC-X program followed, and that turned into a huge mess too.

[@pigmoonk2545]

@@ypw510 The better plan is still the A330 MRTT. US is not free from corruption and unfair industrial practices. Only interests.

[@ypw510]

@@pigmoonk2545 At this point it’s useless to complain. There are already more KC-46 than A330 tankers.

[@jassihra8566]

what a phenomenal video. Subscribed !

[@thierrymad9743]

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

[@j.need4qlife483]

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.

[@USAIRFORCE621]

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.

[@almcg4425]

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

[@AsherHarman]

Refueling a Refueling plane is insane

[@T.Y.B.o.d.]

Awesome video Sam. Like usual.😊

[@gilianaadams4296]

This video is very well done. Thanks Sam!

[@ginggur17]

16:30 I’m so envious. 🙏👊🏻👊🏻🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@PDLM1221]

Wow I’m an ex Air Force airman and this new jet re-fueler is awesome I love the multirole capabilities. Well thought out use of the new jet Go Air Force!

[@williamevans6043]

My dad flew the KC-97 when I was a kid, made for an interesting life growing up!

[@AirJoe]

I saw the production line of this aircraft in Everett, WA. It's a super cool airplane!

[@trfmusic902]

Pegasus is a cool aircraft. Thanks for the video!

[@Red1_Oakley]

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.

[@justing42]

it is airCRAFT, not CRAFTS

[@stewartmoffat]

What an Aircraft, what a video!

[@nolanclements7858]

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

[@davebourdon3258]

Awesome Video. Makes me want to redue my Air Force career all over.!!

[@Sntzyいぉゔぇよう]

We lost the kc-10 and I dont wanna lose the the kc-135 I grew up with both of em.. ❤

[@dakotagumby3501]

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. 👍

[@jonathanmayor3942]

Europeans are like NOP A330 MRTT ftw 😅🙌 with auto boom refueling 🎉

[@Nevour1]

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.

[@Jonathan-k4b]

Great Video Sam, fascinating planes and capabilities

[@Fridayone35]

Watching the refuel on a tv just isn’t the same , like you said. Maybe one day it can actually replace the 135. NKAWTG

[@MrZagorfly]

Good job good vibe and passion ! Thank you

[@Justobserving9291]

What should you cover next? The retrofitting of the new tanker to add a window for the boom operator to actually accomplish the mission.

[@michaelengle9062]

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

[@1chish]

Or they could fit the Airbus remote boom system that has never failed in the first place.

[@Mo-du6bn]

@@michaelengle9062especially after having seen the ~30ish fps on the screen in the first clip this is not something i would rely multimillion dollar aircraft on

[@ArloFSE]

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.

[@naisi]

Awesome video as always - pity you couldn’t show more of the B2 refuelling but it’s probably classified….

[@justing42]

no

[@moseskelly2886]

This is very cool to learn about and get to see. I honestly enjoy both the KC-135 & KC-46, ofc they both have different modes; in regards to how the Boom Operator will get to operate while refueling aircraft. I will admit, I think it would be cool to directly see the aircraft that is being refueled.

[@TcboozStudentPilot]

Great video! Could you make an F-16 video next?

[@glennanderson8860]

Another great USAF video Sam AND crew Thanks and looking forward for your next production

[@Cars-N-Jets]

I got to sit inside a KC-46 and talk to the people who fly it at Oshkosh from McConnell. That was Airventure 2022

[@chadnga8]

Great video Sam!

[@Aleaiactaest87]

Your government should have listened to the US military personnel choosing Airbus' & Northrop Grumman's KC-45 over this.

[@kendoman3150]

Why?

[@sidv4615]

@@kendoman3150 beats 46 on literally every metric, most importantly - it was a proven design.

[@geoffreyblake2765]

I remember the flyoff between this and the Airbus version which blew away the Boeing ac. The 46 has taken so very long to become bug-free" and they're still working on that today !

[@jtwilliams8895]

Yeah, well it’s too bad there were no other American competitors. I’m not for giving such a huge contract to the Europeans. But then again, I’m not for the taxpayers getting the shaft either. Tough call

[@thierryp8111]

The A330 MRTT is more accurate. Better range, bigger cargo and automatic refuel also by night.

[@Aviation-Pilot-t4t]

Awesome video man

[@JuicyBro]

Sam’s catching models like pokemon

[@007pedropete]

keep up the good work and keep these amazing vidoes coming

[@steveo6034]

The max air endurance flight with the KC-46 is 45hrs!!

[@p.c.9714]

Despite what Sam said, there is a limit for any aircraft: engine oil.

[@341infantry]

There is nothing like the strength of the American people and their military. With unparalleled capabilities in force projection, logistics, and prolonged missions across the globe, this power extends to every branch of its armed forces. A crucial part of that strength is the United States Air Force. Its critical support roles to sister agencies and dedication to advancing the interests of the American people exemplify its commitment to the nation's security. God bless America.

[@Just_Me_Adams]

when the video is so good even Boeing sponsored it

[@willyct207]

Thanks bro this was very interesting!!!

[@michaelshore2300]

IN THE US AIRFRCE years behind MRT 330

[@camaro5081]

12:28 I'm an airline tech that works on the 767. I've worked all 3 models. The 200, 300, and 400. KC-46 cockpit avionics is the same as the 767-400. Thanks for the inside look of the KC-46!

[@toddlee1873]

Another excellent video Sam. Keep up the great work. Thank you.

[@jesusalbertozapataroman6389]

fantastico, saludos desde Medellin Colombia.

[@Forese83]

You did NOT talk about the fuel tanks. How many are there supposed to be, three? Where are they besides the aircraft’s own fuel tanks on the wings. Are they pods/palates that come in/out of the plane? That’s the main reasons I watched the video for.

[@GH-oi2jf]

They are permanently installed in the lower part of the fuselage.

[@tnyh2l]

Great video for sure. SRA Miller is beautiful!!!!

[@aviationcatF22]

When we getting that C-17 video?

[@RohaanTalha-t1p]

This is sick!

[@KimNKofficial]

I'm taking notes 📝

[@danoconnor3720]

Hi Kim, You're a mosquito; we're a hawk.

[@rezarezaei9661]

Nice video, thanks👏