The Boeing-built KC-46 tanker is a military version of the 767 commercial aircraft. It is intended to replace the oldest of the U.S. Air Force’s KC-135 Stratotanker fleet — some of which are over 50 years old.
The KC-46A will be able to refuel any fixed-wing receiver-capable aircraft on any mission. This aircraft is equipped with a modernized KC-10 refueling boom integrated with a proven fly-by-wire control system and delivering a fuel offload rate required for large aircraft. In addition, the hose and drogue system adds additional mission capability that is independently operable from the refueling boom system.