Boeing KC-135

By Brian Everstine
The U.S. Air Force wants to modify 326 of its Boeing C/KC-135 aircraft to have commercial access to both secure and nonsecure satellite communications.
Multi-Mission Aircraft

By Brian Everstine
The U.S. Air Force plans to increase the program of record for its KC-46 refueling tanker as it looks to accelerate a follow-on next generation replacement.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Brian Everstine
The U.S. Air Force is evaluating bids from Airbus and Boeing for a planned replacement of the KC-135 ahead of a future tanker.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Brian Everstine
Reengining the C-17 and adding low-cost connectivity upgrades emerge as top priorities for Air Mobility Command.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Graham Warwick
U.S. startup Merlin plans to demonstrate its autonomous flight technology on a Boeing KC-135 aerial refueling tanker under an agreement with the U.S. Air Force.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Brian Everstine
Airbus will pursue the U.S. Air Force’s KC-135 recapitalization program on its own without prior partner Lockheed Martin.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Helen Chachaty
Negotiations are underway for the sale of the French Air Force’s fleet of Boeing C-135FR aerial refueling tankers after their withdrawal from the inventory.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Garrett Reim
Reliable Robotics has completed a study for the USAF examining retrofitting the service’s large multi-engine jets with its autonomous flight control tech.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Brian Everstine
The U.S. Air Force wants to kick off its program to replace its aging Boeing KC-135s this month with a request for information.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Brian Everstine
President Joe Biden has tapped Gen. David Allvin to become the next Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Steve Trimble
The Metrea Strategic Mobility-owned tanker offloaded nearly 90,000 lb. of fuel during 13 boom contacts with an RC-135 and E-3 during Exercise Resolute Hunter.
Multi-Mission Aircraft

By Guy Norris
The U.S. Air Force plans to conduct additional test flights of drag reduction modifications to its Boeing C-17, KC-135 and Lockheed Martin C-130 aircraft.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Brian Everstine
Lawmakers want to block U.S. Air Force efforts to retire Lockheed Martin C-130s and KC-135s from the Guard and Reserve.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Steve Trimble
Metrea’s business case rests on the uncomfortable fact that hundreds of Air Force-owned air refueling aircraft cover only a fraction of the potential demand.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Steve Trimble
The ex-Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) KC-135R topped-off two U.S. Navy Boeing P-8A patrol aircraft.
Multi-Mission Aircraft

By Brian Everstine
The U.S. Air Force is planning the largest transatlantic crossing of combat aircraft since the lead-up to the 1990-1991 Gulf War this summer.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Brian Everstine
Faulty parts installed during maintenance have grounded multiple military fleets, raising supply chain concerns.
Supply Chain

By Brian Everstine
Officials call for clean-sheet designs, saying commercial-derivative refuelers are not survivable.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Brian Everstine
The U.S. Air Force wants to formally kill its KC-Y “Bridge Tanker” program as it accelerates its future Next Generation Air Refueling System.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Brian Everstine
AMC recently directed a change to its fleet, removing the large “U.S. AIR FORCE,” unit markings, tail numbers and other identifying markings.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Jen DiMascio
U.S. pushes for more Ukraine aid; U.S. tankers grounded; Polish MQ-9 flights to start; and replacing Russian platforms.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Brian Everstine
The U.S. Air Force is grounding its workhorse Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker fleet temporarily, along with reconnaissance variants.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Brian Everstine
Several key U.S. Air Force aircraft saw their mission-capable rates drop in fiscal 2022 compared to the prior year.
Aircraft & Propulsion