Omega recently acquired the first of what will be several boom capable tankers and the aircraft is currently undergoing the Airworthiness Process. Boom tanking capability has been added to our latest Navy contract, signed in September and we expect to have IFCs to begin operations next year. If you have specific boom AAR needs, please contact PMA-226 so your requirements can be captured.
Go to the Request Services page to learn more about the Omega scheduling process.
KC-707
Communications: two VHF/UHF radios, one VHF radio, two HF radios.
Navigation: TACAN, VOR, INS, full IFR certified GPS (on some versions), IFR certified INS (on some models), weather radar. We also have SATCOMs on board that supports voice and texting
KDC-10
Communications: two VHF/UHF radios, one VHF radio, two HF radios.
Navigation: TACAN, VOR, ADF, INS, IFR enroute GPS, weather radar. We also have SATCOMs on board that supports voice and texting
In its current configuration, the Omega's KDC-10 is a basic DC-10-40 aircraft. In its current configuration, the Omega's KDC-10’s full fuel load is approximately 243,000 pounds (37,000 gallons) depending upon fuel type, density, and temperature.
On a 10,000-foot, no-slope, sea level runway, an Omega's KDC-10 can take off with full fuel in up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. At maximum landing weight with no cargo or passengers on board, the aircraft can land with approximately 125,000 pounds (19,000 gallons) of fuel (118,000 pounds less than full fuel).
With a full fuel load, Omega can carry approximately 160,000 pounds (25,000 gallons) depending on fuel type and temperature. At maximum landing weight, Omega can land with about 100,000 pounds (15,000 gallons) of fuel, so unless the flight is very short or has a low planned offload, Omega can usually take off with a full load of fuel. On a 10,000-foot sea level runway, Omega can take off with full fuel up to approximately 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
On the centerline AAR KC-707, two Sergeant Fletcher baskets are located on the aft centerline of the aircraft. One basket/hose assembly can be used at a time, with the second basket serving as an immediate spare should it be required.
On the KDC-10, one FRL pod assembly is located on each wing. Two aircraft may refuel simultaneously. The former RAAF KC-707s utilize a standard MA-3 coupling.
Omega is capable of probe and drogue and boom type refueling for military aircraft. We are also now capable of conducting boom tanking.
The Omega KC-707 tankers are Boeing 707-320 series aircraft. One Omega KC-707 tanker contains two redundant hose and drogue assemblies in the aft portion of the tanker. Other versions of its fleet utilize wing-mounted AAR pods, designated MK 32B-501.The KDC-10/MPTT tanker is a modified DC-10-40 with two modern Cobham FRL wing pods. On the KDC-10, one FRL pod assembly is located on each wing. Two aircraft may refuel simultaneously. The former RAAF 707s utilize a standard MA-3 coupling. On the KDC-10, one FRL pod assembly is located on each wing. Two aircraft may refuel simultaneously.
The KDC-10 boom tanker is a KDC-10-30 with the same boom as mounted on a USAF KC-10 except it is controlled through a Remote Aerial Refueling Operator station at the front of the aircraft.
We own 6 tankers however only three are currently active on the Navy contract. (623RH, 624RH, 629RH, 707MQ, 974VV, 264DE)
Contract air refueling is a business using specially-equipped and converted tanker aircraft to serve as air refueling platforms that meet the operational needs of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps or U.S. foreign allies.
Nothing – just pay for the gas you take! The Omega tanker flying contract is administered by NAVAIRSYSCOM PMA 226. Omega tanker support is funded under the Navy and Marine Corps flying hour program. Therefore, there is no direct cost to military units for using Omega services. All flights are approved by the Commercial Air Services Manager.
Fuel offloaded by the tanker is allocated and charged to the appropriate squadron in the same way that fuel received anywhere is allocated and charged – just like fuel in the hot pits, at transient operating bases, at transient government-approved civilian FBOs, or from USAF tankers. The cost of fuel used is the current government price of JP-5, JP-8, or Jet A fuel. Omega must use government-approved sources for fuel.