AFA 2016: USAF studies technological leap towards KC-Z tanker

[Zarvan]

The USAF is considering moving from procurement of the KC-46A, seen here refuelling an A-10, to a more advanced KC-Z. Source: Boeing
Key Points

• The head of USAF Air Mobility Command is advocating speeding up acquisition of a technologically advanced KC-Z
• The USAF will begin a KC-Z technology study this year

The head of US Air Force (USAF) Air Mobility Command is advocating speeding up acquisition of a more technologically advanced aerial refuelling tanker for its KC-Z programme.

General Carlton Everhart first wants to purchase more Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tankers, developed under the KC-X programme. Speaking at a press briefing during the Air Force Association's annual conference on 20 September, he said that the 179 KC-46As in the USAF's budget plan are insufficient. He also wants procurement of the KC-Z to occur in 2035, with any potential gap filled by a KC-Y programme.

"I want to jump the leap in technology to go straight to the KC-Z," he said. "If it means to bridge that, sure. But I'm also looking to the next leaps in technology because we do supply fuel to the nation."

To that end, the USAF will initiate a study this year to examine potential technology for the KC-Z, Gen Everhart told reporters. He said that he is interested in standoff and penetrating capabilities for an anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) environment. "We're going to need a platform that we've never seen before," he said. "The blended or hybrid wing, it's a lifting body and it has a capability of being low observable." He added that an unmanned tanker similar to the US Navy's (USN's) MQ-25A Stingray could also be of interest.

The service's top scientific research and technology official has said that a penetrating tanker is part of its future air superiority plan that will follow the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft. The new programme will be defined by improvements in two key areas - stealth and range - according to USAF chief scientist, Greg Zacharias.

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