The first KC-46A prototype, EMD-1, arrived at Edwards Air Force base on Oct. 15 for two-weeks of Ground Effects and Fuel Onload Fatigue testing.
U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Okula
Ground Effects testing is to gather aerodynamic data for updating the KC-46A simulator as well as supporting certification. The data collected will determine its flying characteristic when receiving fuel from another type of tanker.
In Fuel Onload Fatigue testing, the tanker is required to position itself behind a KC-10 or KC-135 as a receiver.
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