Air Force Air Refueling: The KC-X Aircraft Acquisition Program
Abstract
The KC-X program, the first of three planned programs intended to recapitalize the Air Force's air refueling fleet, is expected to acquire 179 new, commercial off-the- shelf airliners modified to accomplish air refueling missions. The program is expected to cost approximately $35 billion. Both Boeing and a consortium consisting of Northrop Grumman and European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) - the parent company of Airbus - were in competition for KCX. Boeing offered a variant of the 767-200, while Northrop Grumman submitted a version of the Airbus 330-200. On February 29, 2008, the Air Force awarded the KC-X contract to Northrop Grumman. The initial $12.1 billion KC-X contract provides for the purchase the first 68 KC-45s of the anticipated 179 aircraft. Air Force in-flight aerial refueling aircraft, often referred to as tankers, provide both persistence and range to Department of Defense (DOD) fighters, bombers, airlift and surveillance aircraft. As such, the Air Force's tanker fleet greatly multiplies the effectiveness of DOD air power across the continuum of military operations. Today, the KC-135, which makes up the preponderance of the Air Force's tanker force, is among the Air Force's oldest aircraft.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 04, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA477693
Entities
People
- Christopher Bolkcom
- William Knight
Organizations
- Library of Congress