KC-46A undergoing electromagnetic testing

(U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Okula)  The Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tanker aircraft is undergoing electromagnetic testing at the Ben...

(U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Okula)

 The Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tanker aircraft is undergoing electromagnetic testing at the Benefied Anechoic Facility in Edwards Air Force Base, California.

The new aerial refueling tanker aircraft for U.S. Air Force is undergoing the tests to achieve Federal Aviation Administration certification and U.S. Dept. of Defense environmental effects requirements.

The tests are to confirms the KC-46A systems do not suffer performance degradation while operating in high intensity external radio frequency environments, and include shielding effectiveness and emission control tests.

The tests are being conducted in the BAF to provide an electromagnetically controlled environment suitable for critically sensitive radio frequency measurements.

The BAF, operated by the 772nd Test Squadron, is the largest anechoic chamber in the world and can fit most aircraft inside. It provides a location where electronic warfare tests can be conducted without radio frequency interference from the outside world.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Okula)

The chamber is filled with polyurethane and polyethylene pyramids designed to stop reflections of electromagnetic waves. The size of the pyramids, which are painted dark blue or black, varies depending on the particular frequency and test procedure being conducted. Aircraft systems can be tested and verified that they work properly prior to actual flying.

“It also provides efficient testing that requires a large amount of high power RF radiation whereas outdoors this would be very restrictive, typically limited to shorter nighttime test operations,” said Delia Reyes, 772nd TS project lead engineer.

Three specialized, high-power electromagnetic radiating trailers are being used for the tests.

The Air Force’s KC-46A tanker modernization program is among the Air Force's highest acquisition priorities, program managers say. Being able to refuel military aircraft in the air is critical to the U.S. military's ability to effectively operate globally. The Air Force initiated the KC-46 program to replace about a third of its aging KC-135 Stratotanker fleet.

The KC-46A is designed to provide improved capability, including boom and drogue refueling on the same sortie; worldwide navigation and communication; airlift capability on the entire main deck floor; receiver air refueling; improved force protection and survivability; and multi-point air refueling capability.