However, much remains undecided over how to field an advanced refueling aircraft the service now calls the next-generation aerial refueling system.
The Air Force is celebrating 100 years of air refueling by performing flyovers across the country.
The Air Force wants its next tankers to be able to survive in the contested airspace likely in the nation's next war.
“Our mobility fleet can no longer operate forward with relative impunity,” Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said at the AFA Warfare Symposium.
“We have the demos, we have the videos, we’ve flown it on [Boeing] planes … and it looks magnificent,” says the Air Force's Lt. Col. Joshua Renfro.
As of Sunday, 24 of the 90 KC-135s that were inspected had noncompliant pins, the Air Force said.
A blended wing design is one idea the Air Force is seriously considering for the future KC-Z refueling tanker.
Since 1965, eight C-130s and 43 C-130 Marine aircrew members have been lost.
The award brings the number of KC-46s under contract with the U.S. Air Force to 128.
“These airmen exemplify the rescue and attack mission of the 355th Wing,” the Air Force said.
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