KC-X Employment in the Airlift Role and Impact on the Strategic Airlift Force Structure

On 29 January 2007 the United States Air Force issued the final Request for Proposal (RFP) to industry for a new air refueling aircraft termed the KC-X. Although the KC-X will most likely be a commercial derivative, the RFP gives very specific system requirements and capabilities. These capabilities will replace the aging KC-135 fleet. The KC-135 has an average age of over 46 years and is projected to stay in the Air Force until at least the year 2040. This workhorse refueler is literally an "Eisenhower Era" acquisition and has the distinct honor of being the oldest combat weapon system in the United States Air Force (USAF). Every major study done on the KC-135 has come to the same conclusion...recapitalization is needed. The United States Air Force has been working a tanker replacement for nearly 10 years with limited success and very high profile failures. As you can see with statements made by several senior military leaders the problem is on the forefront of USAF priorities. The potential addition of 179 commercial derivative tankers with passenger and cargo capability far exceeding the KC-135 they will be replacing has implications and opportunities not realized yet in the Global Mobility CONOPS today.