Secretary Wynne notes, however, that it remains an open question how long the existing fleet of KC-135s will last. The AOA was supposed to provide some insight into the life expectancy of the KC-135s, but the fact the Wynne raised the point indicates there isn’t a definitive answer yet. He gave no hint as to when the Pentagon might reach a conclusion. He did say that the KC-135 overhaul operation at Tinker AFB, Okla., is keeping the aircraft going remarkably well.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.