KC-135 Upgrades
The KC-135 program supports global aerial refueling operations through 2050 and beyond. The KC-135 is the only fully operational tanker in the Air Force inventory and the oldest fleet by average age. In FY 2024, USAF C/KC-135s offloaded 70,727,162 gallons of fuel to refuel 36,515 aircraft in support of global operations. As a cargo aircraft, the C/KC-135 can carry six (6) standard 463-L pallets. RDT&E efforts include but are not limited to Mobile User Objective System, COMM2 Crypto & Data, High Frequency Modernization, and Center Console Refresh. Funding provides for C/KC-135 Operational System Development efforts include but not limited to Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) integration, Center Console Refresh (CCR), High Frequency (HF) Modernization, COMM2 Crypto and Data, Mobility Air Forces (MAF), Hybrid SATCOM, and support for demonstrations, operational assessments, exercises, test and evaluation, and airworthiness to quantify the effectiveness of temporary and permanent solutions. Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) integration and test for MUOS-capable radios on Block 45 aircraft in the COMM 3 position with Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) Integrated Waveform (IW) and LOS SATURN capability with HAVE QUICK II backward compatibility. The C/KC-135 fleet must comply with the National Security Agency (NSA) mandate or will lose secure communications, which significantly degrades its ability to support worldwide operations. The ARC-210 Gen 3 radios have Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) and will become obsolete on the Cryptographic Equipment Authorized for Secure Keying (CEASEKEY) date. Requirements include AMC's 10-050 Crypto, 15-046 MUOS, 16-053 SATURN, and 17-039 IW. This modification is part to the USAF Radio and Crypto Modernization Plan (RCMP) for crypto modernization as directed by CSAF in Nov 2022 and DoW Chief Information Officer (CIO) in 2016. Center Console Refresh (CCR) replaces the Flight Display System (FDS) and Fuel System (FS), and Flight Computer/Integrated Processing Center (IPC) that are facing parts obsolescence issues and will render the aircraft non mission capable. Additionally, the program includes the auto-throttles requirement. The Integrated Fuel Management Panel (IFMP) and Fuel Management Advisory Computer (FMAC) are no longer procurable with limited repair capability.
FY2027 planned work Initial program office actions to include but not limited to executing EMD activities for the integration of a VLF RoRo solution onto the KC-135 to support STRATCOM communication requirements.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding increased due to new EMD program activities to integrate a VLF RoRo capability.
FY2027 planned work Continue EMD activities to include but not limited to EMD testing (Configuration Control board-Allocated and Configuration Control Board-Production).
FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding increased due to ramp up of EMD activities to support SIL testing, Developmental Test/Operational Test and software release.
FY2027 planned work Continuation of EMD testing, integration and award of EMD contract via Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement for a rapid prototyping.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding increased due to ramp of contracting activities to support Program Office Estimate (POE) and EMD OTA contract award.
FY2027 planned work Plans include contracting and test and evaluation activities to support emerging and other rapid acquisition initiatives.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding increased due to ramp up of test and evaluation activities with multiple test squadrons.
FY2027 planned work Contracting activities for Source Selection for EMD contract award.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding increased due to ramp up of contracting activities for EMD contract award.
FY2027 planned work Enable DT/OT testing completion and Configuration Control Board-Production certification support.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding increased due to expanded EMD contracting activities to include DT/OT and CCB-P.
FY2027 planned work Continue with EMD testing and development of Increment 2 capabilities.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding increased due to ramp up of EMD contracting activities to support MAF Connectivity Incremental 2 development.