Image source: topwar.ru
For more than a decade, the U.S. air force planned to purchase the successor of the KC-46, known as the KC-Y before you start a programme for the production of clean tanker next generation called KC-Z. However, heads of services, first Secretary of the air force, Frank Kendall, hinted that the BBC may opt out of the KC-Y and just continue to buy more KC-46 before you begin to implement the program KC-Z.
Larry had Gallogly, head of Lockheed LMXT, in turn, proposed a third option, which the air force could potentially choose: skip tests and testing of the KC-Y and buy more KC-46, but then use LMXT, rather than start from scratch to design KC-Z.
In their briefings with journalists Lockheed described LMXT in addition to the KC-46 Boeing company. LMXT is scheduled American derivative multi-role transport of Aviacenter Airbus A330, which originally opposed the KC-46 during the contest KC-X, which results in 2011 after numerous tests were in favor of Boeing.
To create LMXT basic airliner A330 final Assembly in Mobile, Alabama, and then to cross in Marietta, Georgia, where he will be modified in paramilitary tanker. The words Gallogly, due to the larger A330 LMXT will be able to upload 30,000 liters more fuel and will have a greater combat radius than the KC-46 — a characteristic that will benefit the plane in the Indo-Pacific region.
Lockheed announced the implementation of the project include the new technology is designed to provide joint military operations. The words Gallogly, from now until 2027 Lockheed plans to add the ability to connect to satellite constellation SpaceX Starlink and Protected Tactical Waveform, gradually introducing the possibility of combining data, machine learning and artificial intelligence.
After these updates LMXT can act as airborne command center, able to set goals drones and manned aircraft and to send information about threats and objectives.
Paul Waugh, Executive Director of the United States air force and operated training aircraft, previously told reporters that the air force plans to begin an analysis of alternatives for KC-Z in 2024, and preliminary work will begin next year, which further reinforces the rumors that the service may miss the competition of the KC-Y and accelerate the timeline for the implementation of the project KC-Z.
