“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.
The Air Force believes it will take at least three years for Boeing to start installing new hardware that resolves the “stiff boom” problem.
If a C-130 can act as bomber, a bomber can serve as a cargo plane, the argument goes.
The Air Force believes it will cost at least $2.5 million to repair the KC-46.
The idea has raised eyebrows among military watchers who question its motives and safety.
