Boeing KC-135

Without any alternatives, the Air Force would have to depend on the KC-135 if a war occurs before 2028. Is it ready?

Reliable Robotics has completed a road map that outlines how KC-135 Stratotankers can be automated.

PACAF officials decided that the situation demanded some operational creativity.

A series of proposed upgrades, including manually foldable winglets, could slash the fuel consumption of the four-engine KC-135 tanker by 12-14%.

The prospect of scaling up the use of contracted refueling services could hinder Air Mobility Command’s ability to complete proficiency and combat training.

Air Mobility Command plans to complete a year-long analysis in the hopes of resolving several fundamental questions about the U.S. Air Force’s next tanker.

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.

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.

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.

Reengining the C-17 and adding low-cost connectivity upgrades emerge as top priorities for Air Mobility Command.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

President Joe Biden has tapped Gen. David Allvin to become the next Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force.

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.

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.

Lawmakers want to block U.S. Air Force efforts to retire Lockheed Martin C-130s and KC-135s from the Guard and Reserve.

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.

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

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.

Faulty parts installed during maintenance have grounded multiple military fleets, raising supply chain concerns.

Officials call for clean-sheet designs, saying commercial-derivative refuelers are not survivable.

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.