The USAF's new KC-46A tanker made the first in-flight refueling of a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, the test mission took place over the area of the famous Edwards Air Force Base, California.
“Testing with the B-2 was a big deal for us”, said Jamie Smith, Chief Air Refueling Engineer for the 418th FLTS. “It is the first aircraft that has such a dark paint scheme and takes up a large portion of the Remote Vision System (RVS) screen. We were all really interested to see how the RVS would react with the B-2.”
Gradually, tests under the command of the Combined Test Force (CTF), subordinated to the USAF, are taking place so that the best development of the new USAF tanker aircraft that will replace the current KC-135 four-engined planes is carried out.
“This was the first flight for both aircraft”, said Major Matthew Gray, FLTS test pilot and flight commander. “Never before has a flying wing been refueled behind the KC-46 and as such we test unique aerodynamic influences whilst proving the capabilities of the system”, adds Smith.
Other 'Revos' had already happened, such as a USAF F-35A Lightning II, thus marking the first refueling of a fifth-generation aircraft by the new KC-46 Pegasus.
The USAF received the first units of the KC-46A earlier this year. The arrival of the aircraft came late due to the delays faced by the manufacturer Boeing.
