The KC-X program, the first of three planned programs intended to recapitalize the Air Force's air refueling fleet, is expected to acquire 179 new, commercial off-the- shelf airliners modified to accomplish air refueling missions. Both Boeing and a consortium consisting of Northrop Grumman and European Aerospace Defense Company (EADS) - the parent company of Airbus - are in competition for KC-X. Boeing offered a variant of the 767-200 while Northrop Grumman/EADS submitted a version of the Airbus 330-200. The Air Force is expected to announce source selection soon. Air Force in-flight aerial refueling aircraft, often referred to as 'tankers', provide both persistence and range to Department of Defense (DOD) fighters, bombers, airlift and surveillance aircraft. As such, the Air Force's tanker fleet greatly multiplies the effectiveness of DOD air power across the continuum of military operations. Today, the KC-135, which makes up the preponderance of the Air Force's tanker force, is among the Air Force's oldest aircraft.


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    Title :

    Air Force Air Refueling: The KC-X Aircraft Acquisition Program


    Contributors:
    W. Knight (author) / C. Bolkcom (author)

    Publication date :

    2008


    Size :

    42 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English