Next Generation Air-refueling System (NGAS)

Abstract

NGAS is an accelerated, advanced air refueling system that meets the future needs of the joint force. NGAS will deliver adaptive and agile platform(s) and mission systems as part of a tanker Family of Systems by the mid-2030s. Air Mobility Command is currently leading an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) effort that shapes requirements, refines the program's acquisition strategy, and determines the technology development timeline. The Air Force's assessment includes clean sheet design(s) and purpose-built aircraft to address projected threats and needed capabilities and leverages benefits of full and open competition. The mission systems will include platform agnostic communications, threat agnostic defensive systems, and agile mission execution. The Department of the Air Force (DAF) will also identify opportunities to integrate the mission systems on KC-46A and Tanker Recapitalization aircraft. In FY 2025, the DAF will fund post-AoA studies, update tanker models and run high-fidelity modeling and simulation to further exercise joint warfighting concepts and plans. In addition, the AoA results will be validated, leading to initial requirements documented in a draft Capabilities Development Document (CDD). Additionally, prep for the acquisition strategy for the Technology, Maturation and Risk Reduction (TMRR) phase and Milestone A preparation will continue. The DAF is awaiting the AoA results before determining NGAS development funding. Acquisition Agility Act (AAA) Prototyping separate from a Program of Record (POR). This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F and 0606398F. In FY 2023 $0.000 million was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2024 $0.000 million is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This effort is in Budget Activity 4, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes (ACD&P), because efforts are necessary to evaluate integrated technologies, representative modes or prototype systems in a high fidelity and realistic operating environment.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 640010_0605057F_4_3600_PB_2025

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.