How many tankers does the USAF have?

How many tankers does the USAF have?

The Air Force’s huge fleet of aerial tankers—more than 400 KC-135s, 50 or so new KC-46s and around 40 KC-10s—keeps fighters gassed up on sorties that might extend across 5,000 miles or more.

How many KC 46 have been delivered?

Boeing Delivers KC-46A to Japan, Has Delivered 48 to U.S. Air Force. Also In This Issue: After Pushback, Biden Administration Gives Contractors Latitude On Vaccine Enforcement. ManTech To Acquire Gryphon Technologies For $350 Million.

Can a KC-135 refuel another KC-135?

Depending on fuel storage configuration, the KC-135 can carry up to 83,000 pounds of cargo. Nearly all internal fuel can be pumped through the flying boom, the KC-135’s primary fuel transfer method. These KC-135s are capable of refueling two receiver aircraft at the same time.

How many KC 46 are being built?

The Air Force has already accepted at least 47 KC-46s and will receive a total of 179 platforms, according to service officials and Boeing. The program is limited to 13 production lots, with the last planned procurement in 2027 and delivery in 2029.

Can a tanker refuel another tanker?

Tankers can be equipped with multipoint hose-and-drogue systems allowing two (or more) aircraft to refuel simultaneously, reducing time spent refueling by as much as 75% for a four aircraft strike package.

What does KC stand for in KC-135?

K = Tanker (Aerial Refueler) C = Cargo. There is in fact a KC-135 fleet operated by the US Air Force.

Can a tanker refuel a tanker?

Aerial refueling, also referred to as air refueling, in-flight refueling (IFR), air-to-air refueling (AAR), and tanking, is the process of transferring aviation fuel from one military aircraft (the tanker) to another (the receiver) during flight.

Will the KC 46 replace the KC-135?

A total of 12 KC-46As will replace Air Force Reserve Command KC-135 Stratotankers at one of the six candidate locations and 24 KC-46As will replace active-duty KC-135s at one of the two candidate locations.

How many planes can a tanker refuel?

How many tankers does the air force buy per year?

The Air Force said in a contracting notice posted Wednesday that it wants to buy between 140 and 160 new tankers—at a rate of 12 to 15 aircraft per year—that are based on a commercial aircraft design. “The Commercial Derivative Aircraft must be operational by 2029,” the notice states.

What is the new bridge tanker called?

The new bridge tanker, also known as KC-Y, has long been planned by the Air Force as the follow-on to the KC-46. It’s called the bridge tanker because it’s the second of a three-phased recapitalization of the Air Force’s aerial refueling aircraft.

When will the KC-Y Bridge tanker be ready for combat?

Air Force officials anticipate the plane being war-ready in late 2023. The new bridge tanker, also known as KC-Y, has long been planned by the Air Force as the follow-on to the KC-46. It’s called the bridge tanker because it’s the second of a three-phased recapitalization of the Air Force’s aerial refueling aircraft.

What aircraft are used for refueling tankers?

Boeing’s KC-46 is based on the 767 airliner, while Airbus’ Multi-Role Tanker Transport, or MRTT, is based on the A330. Lockheed Martin and Embraer make smaller, tactical refueling aircraft.

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