US Air Force Tanker Competition-- Any News?

[Triton]

Is there any news in the continuing saga of Boeing versus Northrup-Grumman/EADS concerning the US Air Force tanker competition? Are they still waiting on the Obama Administration/US Air Force to release another RFP?

I know that there have been opinion/editorial pieces that have been published stating that Boeing should propose a tanker version of their new 787 "Dreamliner." KC-787 "Dreamtanker"?

 

[GTX]

Are they still waiting on the Obama Administration/US Air Force to release another RFP?

From what I understand, essentially yes (though it isn't quite that straight forward), though the ongoing posturing from both sides is ongoing. I think the latest from Boeing was to offer the USAF just about any airframe they wanted as a tanker...desperation.

Regards,

Greg

 

[CFE]

I used to be a proponent of the KC-787, but all of that program's delays are making me think twice. Right now I think the 777 would be the best choice for a tanker. Based on the KC-10 experience, I think a bigger airplane would be more useful (in spite of Boeing's argument that the 767 can fly from more airfields than the A-330.)

It would appear that the new tanker will still be called KC-42, regardless of which airframe is selected.

 

[F-14D]

I used to be a proponent of the KC-787, but all of that program's delays are making me think twice. Right now I think the 777 would be the best choice for a tanker. Based on the KC-10 experience, I think a bigger airplane would be more useful (in spite of Boeing's argument that the 767 can fly from more airfields than the A-330.)

It would appear that the new tanker will still be called KC-42, regardless of which airframe is selected.

Actually, I believe that the A330 actually has a lower runway requirement than the KC-767. What Boeing was saying regarding airfields is that its aircraft could operate on more unmodified ramps and taxiways than the 330 derivative, and more could be parked on a given ramp space.

In this next go-round, although some speculated on a KC-787, that's unlikely for exactly the reasons you mentioned. in addition to the 787 being very new technology that isn't even in service, their performance so far on the program would make this a risky choice in the evaluation process. Also, since so much of it is outsourced, there are security regiments that would be more troublesome.

Boeing does have some flexibility here. If USAF again emphasizes minimum modification to existing fields, thy bid the 767 and offer the side benefit of more booms in the air. If USAF now pushes for max fuel/cargo capability, they offer the 777. It can carry more than the A330 but to my understanding requires less runway than the A330 when only carrying a load equivalent to the A330's

It'll be interesting...

 

[Triton]

Are any Airbus A330 MRTTs currently in service or are the Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Air Force, Royal Saudi Air Force, and the United Arab Emirates Air Force still waiting for deliveries? Has Airbus done a good job of managing this program and will be able to make deliveries on time and on budget?

 

[jsport]

Air Force Eyes 'Autonomous Tanker' For KC-46 Follow-On: Roper - Breaking Defense

"One of those next strategic questions for the Air Force is going to be: can you defend a tanker against an onslaught of fighters, who know that every tanker you kill is like killing a lot of fighters or bombers or drones that it supports?" says Air Force acquisition czar Will Roper.

breakingdefense.com

 

[aonestudio]

LMXT: America's Next Strategic Tanker

We are leveraging our established tanking expertise to deliver the LMXT — a low-risk tanker.

www.lockheedmartin.com

Lockheed Martin LMXT for USAF Bridge Tanker program.

The LMXT is a strategic tanker tailored specifically for the U.S. Air Force, delivering critical capabilities to support automatic air-to-air refueling, interoperability for the Joint All Domain battlespace, enhanced defensive systems and more. Adding more fuel to the fight, the LMXT is a proven and mission-ready tanker ready to meet the U.S. Air Force Bridge Tanker requirements.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuFTr53cer0

Air Force Asks Industry for Info on a ‘Bridge Tanker’ - Air Force Magazine

The Air Force on July 19 released a request for information to the defense industry for the proposed “bridge tanker” to follow the KC-46.

www.airforcemag.com

 

[TomcatViP]

Airbus homework: More fuel offload at range* + outer wings pylons for datalink or sensors

¨Considering LM will take EMP level to Mil-Std 3023 (20db)

*it equals today that of the KC-46

 

[Archibald]

Waaaaait... is that a Lockheed A330 from Mobile, Alabama ?

Airbus Mobile - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

"Airbus tanker for USAF: Die hard, with multiple vengeances."

"Hurry up, Robin ! To the Airbusmobile !"

 

[TomcatViP]

Airbus homework: More fuel offload at range* + outer wings pylons for datalink or sensors

¨Considering LM will take EMP level to Mil-Std 3023 (20db)

*it equals today that of the KC-46

Seems the A330 based LMXT will carry 12t more of fuel than traditional MRTT.

Associé à Airbus, Lockheed-Martin propose à l'US Air Force un avion ravitailleur A330 MRTT aux capacités accrues - Zone Militaire

En 2011, et après huit années marquées par maints rebondissements, le Pentagone annonçait son intention de commander 179 nouveaux avions ravitailleurs

www.opex360.com

 

[Archibald]

I just can't believe it... goddam Airbus tanker is back.

I suggest USAF call it "the Airbus Boomerang tanker". Indeed, the more they throw it away - the more it come back hitting them, in the face and in the jaw.
How many years ? 2001 ? two decades ?

EDIT - that forum software has just proposed some old threads, related. Clever girl.

2007, 2008... see attached screen copy. Another irony, thanks this forum.

THIRTEEN YEARS - June, 18 2008.

Another irony is that Airbus imagined the Alabama, Mobile plan for its tanker with NORTHROP - and now its LOCKHEED which proposes that Airbus tanker, as a bridge one.

There are so many ironies in that story... !

And then imagine if the Airbus "bridge" tanker manage to screw that unfortunate KC-46 Pegasus, for example if the latter never manage to solve the present issues in a reasonable way (you don't think Boeing can be THAT bad ? how about not only Pegasus, but also CTS-100 Starliner ?)

I think Boeing leadership would have kittens !

 

[14yellow14]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1447163486698606592

View: https://twitter.com/alexgarcialonso/status/1447163486698606592