According to Breaking Defence, Turkiye is choosing between Boeing's KC-46A Pegasus and Airbus's A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) to replace its old KC-135 tanker planes.
There are seven KC-135R Stratotankers in the Turkish Air Force, and they are based at Incirlik air base.
The choice of tanker does not only have political implications, it will also effect the operations.
The aircraft is equipped with various fuel delivery systems. These are AAR refuelling boom and AAR under-wing pod systems: AAR boom fuel flow rate up to a maximum of 3,600 kg/min – 1,200 US gal/min while under wing PODS fuel offload rate 1,300 kg/min – 420 US gal/min.
It can use both boom and Hose and drogue systems. Using boom it provided E3, F-16, F-15, C-17, F-35A, E-7A, A-10C, F-22, P-8A, B1-B, B-2A, B-52H.
With Hose and drogue it provided fuel to F-18, Tornado, Rafale, M2000, F-35B, Eurofighter Typhoon, AV-8B, JAS 39, A400M.
In other words the hose and drogue system suits with Turkish Air Force’s requirements to refuel Eurofighters in the air.
The Boeing KC-46A can refuel the AV-8B, B-1, B-2, B-52, C-5, C-17, C-130, C-135, CV-22, E-3, E-8, EA-18, F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, F-35, KC-10, KC-46, KC-135, P-8A, and V-22. The Eurofighter isn't on the list. The KC-46A can also get fuel, which greatly increases the range and flexibility of global mobility and force projection capabilities.
Author: Özgür Ekşi
