KC-135 Survivability in a War in Europe
Abstract
Two important issues come to mind when one thinks of deploying KC-135 assets to the next battlefield -- tanker survivability and the tactics to best support our fighter aircraft in their close air support (CAS) and battlefield air interdiction (BAI) roles in and near the Forward Line of Own (friendly) Troops (FLOT). In the next European war scenario, we can expect a significant air-to-air threat for the first several weeks assuming we can gain air superiority early; if we don't, then the air-to-air threat will remain throughout the conflict. We can also fully expect a significant surface-to-air threat with the proliferation of state-of-the-art SAMs and precision antiaircraft artillery now held by the Warsaw Pact. This paper analyzes the current threat to the KG-135 in a NATO/Warsaw Pact war, and develops air refueling tactics and procedures to increase the survivability of our limited tanker aircraft force. By definition, the KC-135 is a high value asset since it provides the required range for our fighters to deliver ordnance on target; is limited in numbers; and is no longer in production. This analysis develops tactics which will not only increase survivability of both tanker and fighter aircraft but will also bring the fighters to the FLOT fully fueled and in prime position to begin their CAS and BAI missions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA217368
Entities
People
- John Ekwall
Organizations
- Air War College