The USAF has officially begun studies for the KC-Z, a low-observability tanker for the exclusive support of F-22 / F-35 fifth-generation platforms and B-2 bombers Spirit (photo) and B-21 Raider.
Thanks to refueling in flight, a B-21 bomber could circumnavigate the globe, hitting targets in places normally out of reach. And if that tanker was a low observability platform, the tactical implications would be different: in-flight refueling would take place in hostile contexts.
Preliminary studies will last twelve months. Subsequently we will proceed to the evaluation and the possible investment for a technological demonstrator. The problem is linked to the design stealth: the latter imposes design constraints, as well as specific ram materials.
No other details were issued by the Air Force Command.
Only for the Air Force, the US finds itself having to finance a new standard tanker in the KC-X program to replace the KC-135 at the same time Stratotanker, the B-21 bombers, radar aircraft and search and rescue helicopters. Then there is a new one A, the F-35 and, finally, the AX program to replace the A-10.
(photo: US Air Force)
