KC-46A

Graphic by Corey Parrish

ANG unit to test prototype

Tech. Sgt. John Kerschenheiter, an electrician with the 191st Maintenance Squadron connects wiring for a new antennae to the flight controls of a KC-135 Stratotanker at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., Jan. 30, 2013. The KC-135, assigned to the 127th Air Refueling Group of the Michigan Air National Guard, was being outfitted with the additional antennae to allow it to serve as a platform for testing a prototype of a new aircraft defense system. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brittani Baisden)

KC-135 and the Strongman

Strongman Mark Kirsch pulls a 140,000 pound KC-135 Stratotanker July 1, 2011, during the Battle Creek Field of Flight and Balloon Festival in Battle Creek, Mich. The KC-135 is assigned to the 54th Air Refueling Squadron at Altus Air Force Base, Okla., and was the first Air Force plane to ever be pulled by a strongman. (Courtesy photo)

KC-10 in Southwest Asia

Airman 1st Class Gene Meredith seals an air cart hose to the side of a KC-10 Extender May 18, 2011, in Southwest Asia. Airman Meredith is a crew chief assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Julie Briden-Garcia)

KC-10 in Southwest Asia

Airman 1st Class Gene Meredith prepares for the launch of a KC-10 Extender May 18, 2011, in Southwest Asia. Airman Meredith is a crew chief assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Julie Briden-Garcia)

KC-10 in Southwest Asia

Airman 1st Class Gene Meredith prepares for the launch of a KC-10 Extender May 18, 2011, in Southwest Asia. Airman Meredith is a crew chief assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Julie Briden-Garcia)