PREVIEW

A US Air Force KC-46A Pegasus tanker aircraft has performed the first-ever westbound circumnavigation endurance flight in just 48 hours.

Known as Project Magellan, the mission marked the first time such a journey has been undertaken in this direction, which is notably more difficult due to the jetstream’s decelerating effects on aircraft.

Taking place from June 29 to July 1, the nonstop flight showcased the KC-46A's impressive capabilities, with in-flight refuelling occurring throughout the journey. The aircraft took off and landed at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas, testing its range and endurance.

The US Air Force praised the mission, highlighting the aircraft's exceptional global reach and mobility. Captain Jacob Heyrend, a flight surgeon with the 349th Air Refueling Squadron, was on board to ensure the crew's health and safety during the extensive flight. “Goals for this flight were to see the combined capabilities of a modern tanker and augmented crews, pushing the brink of human performance,” Heyrend said. He added, “The final goal I had for the flight was to maintain crew, flight and mission safety and health as the aeromedical element.”

Developed by Boeing and based on the 767 jet airliner, the KC-46A Pegasus is a vital component of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing. During Project Magellan, the aircraft refuelled a variety of military planes, including B-2 Spirit bombers, C-17 Globemasters, F-15E Strike Eagles, and another KC-46.

Captain Cody Donahue, executive officer of the 22nd Operations Group and one of the main planners of the mission, emphasized the significance of this operation. “Maximum Endurance Operations are all about overcoming the tyranny of distance: with a 48-hour duty day, you can literally fly across the world,” he explained. Donahue highlighted the importance of such missions in the context of global power dynamics, stating, “In an era of Great Power Competition, crews need the ability to operate longer than they have in the past, and Project Magellan is the next step in getting AMC crews experience in the game-changing new construct that is MEO.”

Donahue also pointed out that this mission illustrates how small crews can achieve significant tasks. Traditionally, an augmented crew of three pilots could operate for up to 24 hours. However, Project Magellan saw a shift towards having four pilots on board, enabling operations for up to 48 hours. The crew for this mission included four pilots and two boom operators who took turns resting in the aircraft’s built-in bunk beds.

Project Magellan was not just a test of the aircraft’s limits but also a demonstration of the evolving capabilities and strategies of the US Air Force in maintaining global operational readiness.