According to the latest Air Force data, the service’s aerial refueling fleet of KC-135 and KC-10 aircraft flew almost 7,300 sorties in 2006, offloading fuel to nearly 40,000 aircraft. USAF also notes that coalition refueling aircraft—KC-135 and VC-10—flew about 700 sorties. The combined offload of fuel amounts to 4.5 billion gallons.
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.