KC-46 Pegasus demo team introduced by 56th ARS

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jonah Bliss
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFNS) --  

The 56th Air Refueling Squadron from Altus Air Force Base made history by debuting the world’s first KC-46 Pegasus demo team at the Wings and Warriors Fly-In at San Marcos, Texas, Nov. 9.

A KC-46 Pegasus aircraft from Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, executes a fly-over at The Wings and Warriors Fly-In at San Marcos, Texas, Nov. 9, 2024. The demo team showcased the KC-46’s air refueling and slow-speed maneuvering capabilities by executing a high-speed pass with the boom deployed at 500 feet, followed by a pass with the gear and flaps down. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonah Bliss)

A KC-46 Pegasus from Altus Air Force Base, Okla., executes a fly-over at the Wings and Warriors Fly-In at San Marcos, Texas, Nov. 9, 2024. The demo team showcased the KC-46’s air refueling and slow-speed maneuvering capabilities by executing a high-speed pass with the boom deployed at 500 feet, followed by a pass with the gear and flaps down. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonah Bliss)
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The team, representing the newest generation of air refueling capabilities, took center stage to showcase the KC-46’s unique features and the evolution of the Air Force’s tanker fleet.

For the Airmen on the demo team, this event was more than just a performance, it was a statement about progress and teamwork.

“Being part of this demo team is very meaningful, especially as a woman in this field,” said Tech. Sgt. Lacy Pickett, KC-46 demo team boom operator. “We’re showing the public how far we’ve come in the KC-46 community and proving just what we’re capable of.”

Maj. Gary Sowa, 97th Operations Group KC-46 demo team lead, explained the demo team's performance at the fly-in.

“The team showcased the KC-46’s air refueling and slow-speed maneuvering capabilities,” Sowa said. “We executed a high-speed pass with the boom deployed at 500 feet, followed by a pass with the gear and flaps down. This gave spectators a glimpse into the aircraft’s versatility.”
A KC-46 Pegasus aircraft from Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, executes a fly-over at The Wings and Warriors Fly-In at San Marcos, Texas, Nov. 9, 2024. The goal of the fly-over was to give spectators a glimpse into the aircraft’s unique capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonah Bliss)

A KC-46 Pegasus from Altus Air Force Base, Okla., executes a fly-over at the Wings and Warriors Fly-In at San Marcos, Texas, Nov. 9, 2024. The goal of the aerial event was to give spectators a glimpse into the aircraft’s unique capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonah Bliss)
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The KC-46, known for its advanced refueling systems, has the ability to refuel using both boom and drogue methods and can receive fuel from other tankers, setting it apart in the tanker fleet. Additionally, the KC-46 can transport cargo, passengers and provide aeromedical evacuation when needed.

“With each demo flight, we’re not just showing what the KC-46 can do,” Sowa said. “We’re reshaping its story, growing as a team and inspiring future Airmen.”