At long last, the Air Force has taken the formal first step toward replacing its elderly KC-135 aerial refueling fleet. Aeronautical Systems Center has issued a request for information, seeking to learn what contractors want to vie for the effort and what they can offer. The RFI has two parts: Part A outlines the capabilities required, such as being able to refuel multiple aircraft simultaneously whether they require probe/drogue or boom/receptacle provisions; Part B asks whether the contractor could also undertake upgrade of the current KC-135 aircraft to keep them operable during the transition to the new KC-X. The Air Force expects to have initial interest responses by June 9.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.