Boeing KC-135

AFRL’s Global Lightning prototyping effort began in 2018.

The $3.6 million award from the Afwerx organization, which includes a matching contribution by Eclipse Ventures, will fund additional test flights.

The U.S. Air Force within the past several months appears to have increased its push to modernize its air refueling force.

The service is weighing a quick start for its next tanker while pausing the sixth-generation fighter program.

In late July, under a temporary military flight release from the Air Force, the companies conducted three test flights of a KC-135.

The U.S. Air Force hopes to speed up its next-generation tanker program with potential new-start authority in its fiscal 2026 budget.

Can Airbus land an upgraded tanker in the U.S.?

The U.S. Air Force has not decided on its plan to replace much of its KC-135 fleet following its buy of KC-46As.

The tankers add to the four boom-equipped KC-135Rs that Metrea acquired from the Republic of Singapore Air Force in 2021.

Taiwan’s Air Force is still evaluating aerial tanker options after 2023 visits from U.S. and French military delegations.

Autonomous flight system startup Merlin Labs has won a contract potentially worth $105 million to demonstrate a reduced aircrew capability for SOCOM C-130Js.

Joby Aviation has acquired the autonomy division of Xwing, a U.S. startup developing a modular autonomous flight system for aircraft.

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.