EDWARDS AFB’S “GHOST TANKER” AND KC-46 PEGASUS JOIN PACIFIC AIRSHOW

Rare flight-test tanker joins an already stacked 10th anniversary lineup for Saturday and Sunday

The Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach lineup just got heavier, with the KC-135R “Ghost Tanker” and KC-46A Pegasus from Edwards Air Force Base confirmed to join the action over Huntington Beach on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4.

The addition brings two generations of U.S. Air Force aerial refueling capability to Show Center, including a particularly unique aircraft from Edwards’ flight-test fleet.

The Edwards KC-135R “Ghost Tanker” is America’s only flight-test tanker, specially instrumented with unique systems designed to rapidly capture and validate test data and aircraft performance.

Its mission helps ensure both existing and emerging U.S. Air Force platforms have the capability to receive fuel in the air, extending their range, endurance and ability to operate across the mission.

Joining the Ghost Tanker will be the KC-46A Pegasus, the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation aerial refueling aircraft.

Together, the two aircraft will give Pacific Airshow spectators a unique look at the evolution of American aerial refueling capability against one of the most spectacular backdrops in aviation, the Huntington Beach coastline.

The aircraft are operated by joint aircrews from the 418th Flight Test Squadron, “Global Reach Combined Test Force,” and Air Force Reserve Command’s 370th Flight Test Squadron.

From active-duty Airmen and Reservists to civilian personnel, the Combined Test Force works shoulder-to-shoulder at Edwards to test and advance the capabilities that support American airpower.

The mission forms part of the work of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, responsible for developmental testing of current and future U.S. Air Force aircraft.

The addition of the Ghost Tanker and KC-46 Pegasus further strengthens an already massive 2026 lineup as Pacific Airshow celebrates 10 years in Huntington Beach alongside America’s 250th anniversary.

The KC-135R Ghost Tanker and KC-46A Pegasus will appear Saturday and Sunday only, joining a lineup featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, F-22 Raptor Demo Team, Canadian Forces Snowbirds and a host of military and civilian performers.

Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach takes place October 2–4, 2026, with the Ghost Tanker and KC-46 Pegasus appearing October 3–4 only.

Don’t watch from outside. Get inside the event and experience Show Center.