Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Four Boeing KC-46A Pegasus aircraft of the United States Air Force depart in sequence from Lajes Air Base, Terceira Island, Azores. Recording date: 18/08/2026
The KC-46A Pegasus is one of the newest aerial refueling aircraft in the USAF inventory and represents a major step in the modernization of America’s tanker fleet. Based on the Boeing 767-2C, the Pegasus combines aerial refueling with strategic airlift, passenger transport and aeromedical evacuation capabilities.
Unlike a conventional transport aircraft, the KC-46A is designed to extend the range and endurance of other military aircraft. It can refuel aircraft through its fly-by-wire boom, while also supporting probe-and-drogue refueling using a centerline drogue and wing-mounted refueling pods. This allows the Pegasus to support a wide variety of U.S. and allied aircraft.
Some impressive figures help put the aircraft into perspective. The KC-46A can carry approximately 96 tonnes of fuel and has a maximum takeoff weight of 415,000 lb (188,240 kg). It can also carry up to 65,000 lb of cargo, with space for up to 18 standard 463L pallets, or accommodate passengers and aeromedical evacuation equipment. Its published range is approximately 6,385 nautical miles (11,825 km) without aerial refueling.
One of the most distinctive features is the Remote Vision System used by the Air Refueling Operator. Instead of sitting in a traditional rear-facing position, the operator works from a station inside the aircraft using panoramic displays and cameras to control the refueling boom. The system provides a wide field of view while reducing the need for a conventional boom operator position.
The KC-46A entered USAF service in 2019 and is progressively replacing older KC-135 Stratotankers as part of the Air Force’s long-term tanker modernization program.
Lajes Air Base occupies a particularly important position in the middle of the Atlantic, making the Azores a valuable location for military aviation movements between North America and Europe.
This video captures four Pegasus aircraft taking off in sequence from Lajes, a relatively rare opportunity to see multiple KC-46As operating together at the same location.
📍 Lajes Air Base, Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal
✈️ Aircraft: Boeing KC-46A Pegasus
🇺🇸 Operator: United States Air Force
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Four Boeing KC-46A Pegasus aircraft of the United States Air Force depart in sequence from Lajes Air Base, Terceira Island, Azores. Recording date: 18/08/2026
The KC-46A Pegasus is one of the newest aerial refueling aircraft in the USAF inventory and represents a major step in the modernization of America’s tanker fleet. Based on the Boeing 767-2C, the Pegasus combines aerial refueling with strategic airlift, passenger transport and aeromedical evacuation capabilities.
Unlike a conventional transport aircraft, the KC-46A is designed to extend the range and endurance of other military aircraft. It can refuel aircraft through its fly-by-wire boom, while also supporting probe-and-drogue refueling using a centerline drogue and wing-mounted refueling pods. This allows the Pegasus to support a wide variety of U.S. and allied aircraft.
Some impressive figures help put the aircraft into perspective. The KC-46A can carry approximately 96 tonnes of fuel and has a maximum takeoff weight of 415,000 lb (188,240 kg). It can also carry up to 65,000 lb of cargo, with space for up to 18 standard 463L pallets, or accommodate passengers and aeromedical evacuation equipment. Its published range is approximately 6,385 nautical miles (11,825 km) without aerial refueling.
One of the most distinctive features is the Remote Vision System used by the Air Refueling Operator. Instead of sitting in a traditional rear-facing position, the operator works from a station inside the aircraft using panoramic displays and cameras to control the refueling boom. The system provides a wide field of view while reducing the need for a conventional boom operator position.
The KC-46A entered USAF service in 2019 and is progressively replacing older KC-135 Stratotankers as part of the Air Force’s long-term tanker modernization program.
Lajes Air Base occupies a particularly important position in the middle of the Atlantic, making the Azores a valuable location for military aviation movements between North America and Europe.
This video captures four Pegasus aircraft taking off in sequence from Lajes, a relatively rare opportunity to see multiple KC-46As operating together at the same location.
📍 Lajes Air Base, Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal
✈️ Aircraft: Boeing KC-46A Pegasus
🇺🇸 Operator: United States Air Force
🚀 Support My Work & Keep the Channel Flying!
Your support helps me bring you more amazing aviation content.
💸 Donate via PayPal: paypal.me/lisbonspotting?country.x=PT&locale.x=pt_PT
☕ Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/lisbonspotting
👑 Be a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCeCTDVdWbzwwL2UkxAldERw/join
📲 Connect with Me on Social Media:
Instagram: instagram.com/lisbon.airport.spotting
Facebook: facebook.com/Lisbon-Airport-Spotting-100856505994230
TikTok: tiktok.com/@lisbon.airport.spotting
Discord: discord.com/invite/aJqGfxKNmG
Fuel your passion for aviation! 🔥 Get an exclusive 20% discount on all Airnav subscriptions with code LPPTSPOTTING. Track flights like a pro: https://www.radarbox.com/?referrer=LP...
Copyright protected by Lisbon Airport Spotting
#lisbonairport #aeroportodelisboa #lisboaportugal #aviation #lisbon #airportspotting #airplanespotting #planespotting #aircraft #planespotting #planes #spotteraviação #aviação #lisbonairportspotting #KC46A #Pegasus #USAF #UnitedStatesAirForce #MilitaryAviation #lajesairbase #lajes #azores #terceira #aviation #AvGeek #PlaneSpotting #AerialRefueling #airrefueling #boeing #boeing767 #militaryAircraft #AirForce #aviationphotography
