KC-45 »
Advanced refueling system
EADS North America’s KC-45, the only tanker offered to the Air Force that is actually flying, has become the global standard due to its unrivaled refueling technology. It offers our warfighters what they deserve – not promises, but mature, demonstrated systems.
Accuracy, Speed, Volume
The EADS-developed advanced Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS) is one of the KC-45’s key technological advantages, delivering highly accurate, reliable in-flight refueling at up to 1,200 gallons per minute. The operator controls the all-electric boom from the Remote Air Refueling Operator (RARO) station, which has a high-resolution, panoramic 3D-vision system with laser infrared lighting, for flawless stereoscopic visuals day or night.
The KC-45 also is equipped with underwing all-digital hose-and-drogue refueling pods –the most modern in service today. Their 90-foot hoses deliver up to 420 gallons of fuel per minute at refueling speeds of 180 to 325 knots.
The pods, along with an additional hose-and-drogue fuselage refueling unit, are controlled from the same RARO station as the boom. These proven, state-of-the art systems provide unequalled accuracy, safety and ease of use for our warfighters.
The KC-45 tanker can rapidly and safely transfer fuel to all types of receiver aircraft during a single mission without reconfiguration, and can refuel multiple aircraft simultaneously.
