Pentagon Issues New Tanker Bid Parameters

Aviation Week ^ | Aug 6, 2008 | Amy Butler

[Yo-Yo]

The only tanker certified to refuel the V-22 is the KC-130; not the KC-10 or the KC-135. Boeing’s claim that their paper proposal tanker can and the existing Airbus cannot is more Seattle BS.

V-22 refueling was an objective KPP, not a threshold KPP. From the KC-X SRD:

3.2.10.1.1.10 The aircraft should be capable of aerial refueling all current USAF tanker compatible tilt rotor receiver aircraft using above criteria (OBJECTIVE, KPP #1).

3.2.10.1.5.2.7 While engaged, the KC-X should be capable of maneuvering throughout the entire refueling envelope, in accordance with applicable air refueling manuals and standard agreements, of any compatible current and programmed tilt rotor receiver aircraft (OBJECTIVE, KPP #1).

What UAVs currently have in-flight refueling capabilities?

Obviously, none yet. Again from the KC-X SRD:

3.2.10.1.1.11 The aircraft should be capable of aerial refueling all current and programmed USAF tanker compatible receiver aircraft using the above criteria at its maximum inflight gross weight (OBJECTIVE, KPP #1).

[MHalblaub]

You will see more accidents/crashes/loss of life with the Airbus plane.

62 KC-135 were lost at all. Only 4 due to aerial refueling. The most spectacular loss was at Palomares, Spain.

The boom of KC-45 got a greater envelope than the proposed Boeing boom. What can be done faster - retract a boom or accelerate an aircraft?

The Australian KC-30B made several certification test flights equipped with boom and refueling pods.

The speed limits for 767 I know of are without refueling pods.

The Italian KC-767A got problems with buffeting wings due to the wing pods. One solution was to reduce speed. I don't know Boeing's final solution.

[Yo-Yo]

The Italian KC-767A got problems with buffeting wings due to the wing pods. One solution was to reduce speed. I don't know Boeing's final solution.

I don't think Boeing has the final solution. However, since the KC-767AT uses the -300 wing, it may not have the flutter problem - or it could be worse. We won't know until the prototype flies.

Meanwhile, EADS has completed boom testing on the A310MRTT test aircraft, and is moving to validating the boom on the first Aussie KC-30B.