Analysis of Aerial Tanker Re-Engining Programs
Abstract
The Air Force maintains a large but aging fleet of tanker aircraft used to extend the flying ranges of bombers for strategic nuclear missions and to assist other military aircraft in conventional non-nuclear contingencies. Several programs, most notably re-engining, are now in progress to refurbish and expand the performance of these aircraft. As requested by the Subcommittee on Defense of the House Appropriations Committee, this paper discusses some of the issues associated with the re-engining programs and illustrates the costs and effects of alternative approaches to re-engining. The Air Force currently has some 615 K-135 aircraft, which account for the bulk of its tanker fleet. Under the Air Force-preferred re-engining program, initiated in 1977, the J57 engines on KC-135As are being replaced with new CFM-56 engines. This program also includes broad modernization of aircraft systems and subsystems. The first of the re-engined aircraft, designated KC-135R, was delivered to McConnell Air Force Base on July 2, 1984. The plan currently calls for re-engining a total of 392 tankers at a cost of $8.2 billion (in current dollars). Fifty-eight re-enginings are on contract through 1984. Begun in 1982, a Congressionally directed program salvages and refurbishes Pratt and Whitney JT-3D engines and related equipment from retired Boeing 707 aircraft whose engines will not meet the more stringent noise and emissions standards for commercial aircraft that go into effect on January 1, 1985. Thus far, this program has not been directed to aircraft in the active force but rather has focused on Air National Guard units, particularly those not colocated with the active guard. The program originally called for deliveries of re-engined aircraft to continue through October 1984, with a total of 96 Guard and 20 special-mission aircraft, all designated KC-135E, to be re-engined at a cost of about $500 million (in current dollars).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA452701
Entities
People
- Bonita J. Dombey
- Regina Carpel
- William P. Myers
Organizations
- Congressional Budget Office