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

The Boeing KC-46A Pegasus air tanker of the U.S. Air Force's 157th Refueling Wing has set a record for the longest flight time.

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The aircraft has a standard practical range of 11,830 km (7,350 miles). However, the KC-46A Pegasus was able to fly 25,750 km (16,000 miles) without landing. With two attempts, it could easily fly around the Earth's equator, which is just over 40,000 km long.

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

The KC-46A Pegasus is designed as a replacement for the aging Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker. The cost of the plane is approximately $200 million. Pegasus made its first flight more than seven years ago. The U.S. military wants 179 planes.

Source: Autoevolution