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First commercial air refueling for C-17
In a historic first for Air Mobility Command, U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 62d Operations Support Squadron and 8th Airlift Squadron conducted a C-17 Globemaster III training flight to execute aerial refueling with a commercial KDC-10B on Apr. 10, 2025. The mission leveraged a Pacific Air Forces contract for refueling support in the region.
As told by Senior Airman Megan Geiger, 62d Airlift Wing Public Affairs, in the article McChord C-17s first in AMC to refuel with commercial KDC-10B tanker, the KDC-10B, operated by Omega Air Refueling, is a converted civilian aircraft with a unique refueling system. Unlike older tanker aircraft like the KC-135 and KC-10, which have a traditional boom pod where an operator sits to control refueling, the KDC-10B uses an advanced optical sensor system for refueling. This system is similar to the one found on the KC-46 Pegasus.
“This event marks what we believe is the first time a C-17 has refueled with a commercial KDC-10B,” said Lt. Col. Brandon Pasterski, 62d OSS director of operations.
With US Air Force (USAF) tankers in high demand, this innovative approach provides crucial training for Team McChord C-17 pilots.
“The 62d AW has limited access to air refueling training, which can impact the currency of our pilots,” explained Maj. Ryan Vigil, 62d OSS director of wing training.
A consistent and reliable platform for air refueling
Commercial air refueling offers a potential solution to this challenge.
“The training is very similar to what we experience with the KC-10 and KC-46,” said Vigil, emphasizing the transferable skills gained through this unique training opportunity.
The collaboration with Omega presents a consistent and reliable platform for air refueling.
Omega has the ability to provide aerial refueling services for a range of military training, flight testing and major exercises.
“We’re proud to have been able to support air refueling training for the C-17A from JBLM,” said Pete Vanagas, Omega Aerial Refueling Services director of U.S. Air Force business development. “This mission was significant because it marked the first instance of contracted air refueling of an Air Mobility Command aircraft. Our team provides air refueling to the Department of Defense whenever and wherever needed. We hope to support the C-17A again in the future and build a long-lasting partnership with the 62d Airlift Wing and Air Mobility Command.”
This historic refueling mission underscores the wings’ commitment to exploring innovative solutions to overcome training challenges and maintain peak operational readiness. The 62d AW plans to conduct future nighttime refueling missions with the KDC-10B to further evaluate its capabilities and enhance aircrew proficiency.
Omega
Omega is the first commercial company in the world that provides air-to-air refueling services and it is the global leader in contracted air-to-air refueling services. The company deploys to destinations across the globe in support of US Navy, US Marine Corps, US Air Force, US Air National Guard, Joint Special Operations Command, and allied aircraft.
Omega is led by a team of former Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force officers and civilians. Its aircrew is comprised of experienced military pilots, including numerous former Air Force aerial refueling tanker pilots. This team works together seamlessly to provide aerial refueling support to the US military whenever and wherever it is needed.
The company converted a former PAN-AM Boeing 707-300 into a refueling tanker in 1999. The modified aircraft flew for the first time in the same year and became the world’s first commercial air refueling tanker.
Today Omega Aerial Refueling Service (OARS) operates a fleet of KC-707 and KDC-10 aircraft owned by Omega Air, each capable of flying over 1,200 hours per year.
Omega’s boom-equipped KDC-10B tanker aircraft are former Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) KDC-10B aircraft.
Photo credit: Senior Airman Megan Geiger / U.S. Air Force
