Originally Posted by
RAFEngO74to09
In my view, it is more likely an E-2D Hawkeye which has a crew of 5 and unlike earlier versions is AAR capable.
The KC-135R has a normal crew of 3 (or 4 if they add a Nav) and the KC-46A has a normal crew of 3.
Blimey, they don't have a backup second Boom operator on board?. Really surprised that such a critical mission is performed with minimal crewing.