Air Mobility Plan, 2008 - The Black Vault

KC-X Roadmap
82
KC-135 Replacement Aircraft (KC-X) Roadmap
OPR: AMC/A5Q
Weapon System Assessment
The Capability Gap
The initial capabilities document for air refueling (AR),
27 April 2005, identifies gaps and shortcomings of the
existing tanker fleet (KC-135 and KC-10):
Boom/Probe and Drogue Refueling. Permanent probe
and drogue capability does not exist on the KC-135. Up
to 4% can be configured to accept wing pods. All 59
KC-10 aircraft possess a permanent probe and drogue
capability. This shortfall severely limits the flexibility
of air operations and mandates using additional air
refueling aircraft to cover Joint/coalition missions.
Receiver Capabilities. Only 1.5% (8 aircraft) of the KC-135 fleet has the capability to onload fuel
while airborne. Lack of tanker receiver capability prohibits force extension and limits persistence
over the battlefield. It also results in inefficient use of valuable/limited AR assets.
Defensive Protection. The current AR fleet lacks any defensive protection capabilities. AR is a
worldwide mission and, therefore, must be capable of operating amidst worldwide threats including
radar and infrared surface-to-air-missiles, including man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS),
antiaircraft artillery, small arms fire and counter air aircraft. Based upon the worldwide proliferation
of threat systems, tankers are no longer able to simply avoid hostile environments. They have operated
increasingly closer to threats and even within missile engagement zones, especially when tasked
as on-scene commander during combat search and rescue missions. This capability becomes more
vital in expeditionary operations where tankers are operating out of forward bases closer to potential
surface threats.
Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM). Some
current tanker configurations require significant modifications to meet future Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA)/International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) CNS/ATM initiatives.
These capabilities will be required to gain global access to civil controlled airspace.
Multi-Point Refueling. Simultaneous refueling of two or more aircraft from the same tanker is
limited to 35 sets of wing-mounted refueling pods installed on AF tankers. A total of 3.7% (20
aircraft) of the KC-135 fleet with 20 pod sets and 33% (20 aircraft) of the KC-10 fleet with 15 pod
sets are available for pod refueling.
Command, Control (C2), Communications, and
Computers (C4). Current tankers do not have the
required connectivity to C2 agencies and have very
limited C4 connectivity to other combat, combat support,
and mobility aircraft. Very limited real-time information
in the cockpit (RTIC) capability exists.
Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS). Tanker cockpits,
boom operator positions, and exterior lighting are not
currently NVIS-compatible. This prohibits air refueling
in tactical conditions which require NVIS and degrades
night AR operations and special operations support.
OCT 07