Lowry. She’s an experienced U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard KC-135 boom operator, or boom, now working at Boeing and testing the new KC-46A Pegasus tanker, along with teammates Martin and Kahler. A benefit of the KC-46A air refueling operator station is that it allows a panoramic 185-degree field-of-view. Additionally, to help with visibility, the KC-46A has sophisticated LED lighting that guides aircraft into the proper position when they take on fuel. “The KC-46 is lit up like a Christmas tree when required,” Lowry said. “It not only has visible lights like other tanker aircraft; it has covert lighting and low-light camera systems. That allows receiver pilots to see the aircraft from a distance and perform refueling operations using night-vision goggles. I can’t imagine there will be Photo: A KC-46A tanker takes off for an air refueling test mission. JIM ANDERSON | BOEING about 25,000 feet (7,600 meters) and 450 mph (725 kilometers per hour), all while coping with turbulence and weather. When the receiving aircraft is within a half-mile (0.8 kilometers), the air refueling operator takes over and guides it into position for refueling behind the tanker. “One of the most hazardous aspects of our job is the lack of visibility on legacy aircraft,” said Kate 16 | BOEING FRONTIERS
Frontiers March 2016 Issue
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