The newest American tanker Boeing KC-46A Pegasus set a flight duration record - it flew more than 25,000 km with a practical range of 11,830 km

The Boeing KC-46A Pegasus air tanker of the 157th Air Refueling Wing of the US Air Force set a record

flight duration.

What is known

Standard practical range of an aircraftis 11,830 km (7,350 miles). However, the KC-46A Pegasus was able to fly 25,750 km (16,000 mi) without landing. With two attempts, he could easily fly around the Earth along the equator, which is just over 40,000 km long.

The KC-46A Pegasus began its journey witheast coast of the United States on November 16. Crossing the Pacific Ocean, the plane managed to refuel the fifth-generation fighter F-22 Raptor. Pegasus itself was refueled three times during the 25,750 km flight. The flight lasted 36 hours.

KC-46A Pegasus designed as a replacementobsolete Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker air tankers. The cost of the aircraft is approximately $200 million. Pegasus made its first flight more than seven years ago. The US military wants 179 aircraft.