US aircraft completes first-of-its-kind non-stop 45-hour flight around the world

A US tanker aircraft has completed the first-ever westbound circumnavigation endurance flight of the world.

Called Project Magellan, the KC-46A Pegasus aircraft's flight was completed between 29 June and 1 July, with the aircraft refuelled in the air during the flight.

Due to the jetstream – a river of fast-moving air high up in the sky – it is harder to fly westward than eastward, therefore making the journey longer.

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Both starting and finishing at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas, the flight was undertaken to see whether the aircraft's capabilities and reach could be extended.

This means the Pegasus could be used to both establish and sustain operations anywhere across the globe.

Belonging to 22nd Air Refuelling Wing, the KC-46A's flight saw it refuel B-2 Spirit bombers, C-17 Globemasters, F-15E Strike Eagles and another KC-46.

Captain Cody Donahue, 22nd Operations Group executive officer, who has been planning Project Magellan for months, said the Maximum Endurance Operations (MEO) ensure that "with a 48-hour duty day, you can literally fly across the world". 

"In an era of Great Power Competition, crews need the ability to operate longer than they have in the past, and Project Magellan is the next step in getting AMC crews experience in the game-changing new construct that is MEO," he said.

The team that operated the flight also showed how they can "explode into theatre", with the staff from McConnell Air Force Base co-ordinating with three other military bases worldwide.

"Not only is the duration of this sortie notable, but we are completing it with just two basic crews," said Capt Donahue.

"Previously, three pilots were able to fly as an 'augmented' crew for up to 24 hours. Going forward, AMC is looking to have a crew of four pilots operating for up to 48 hours."

On board the flight were four pilots and two boom operators, who took it in turns to rest at set intervals, using built-in bunk beds on board the tanker.