Northrop-EADS Win KC-X Tanker Contract
The contract awarded today covers $1.5 Billion contract for the System Demonstrator & Development (SDD) phase consisting of four test aircraft and $10.6 Billion for the first five production lots, producing 64 aircraft. Further contracts will be awarded for lots six to thirteen. Total value is estimated to be $35 Billion.
The KC-X source selection used a "best value" determination to select a winner based on five factors: Mission Capability, Proposal Risk, Past Performance, Cost/Price, and an Integrated Fleet Air Refueling Assessment (performance in a simulated war scenario). Unit cost price was considered to be the least important in the evaluation.
The tanker based on the Airbus A330 airliner will be designated KC-45A by the U.S. Air Force. General Arthur J. Lichte said that the KC-45A provides more of everything. It can offload more fuel, carry more passengers, more cargo, more medical patients and offers better performance and more flexibility. The KC-45A is equipped with both boom and drogue systems and can also carry two wing pods to refuel probe-equipped aircraft. Unlike the previous generation of tankers, the KC-45A will also be equipped with defensive systems.
KC-X is the first iteration of a three-phased approach to replace the Air Force's fleet of 530 KC-135E/Rs and 59 KC-10s. The KC-X contract will enable the Air Force to start retiring the oldest KC-135s as soon as the first new KC-45s arrive. The KC-135E variants are the oldest tankers in the fleet and have been suffering from ageing problems and have been placed under a set of restrictions. The second iteration, dubbed KC-Y, will replace the remainder of the KC-135 fleet. The KC-Z tranche to replace the Air Force's larger KC-10 tankers is not expected until at least 2020.
2024
9 February 2024 | MILAVIA News
Red Arrows launch 60th Diamond Season plans
SIXTY seasons of dynamic displays inspiring millions of people will be celebrated by the Red Arrows in 2024.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team officially launched their diamond anniversary campaign today – including unveiling special artwork that will be carried on each of the team’s distinctive Hawk jets.
A new nine-aircraft show is part of plans for the milestone season, featuring manoeuvres not seen for a generation in the Red Arrows’ display routine, which changes each year.
Also announced today is a five-week overseas tour by the team, staged later this summer, to help mark the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
2022
12 January 2022 | ACC
Thunderbirds Kick-Off Inaugural Training Trip
The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” kicked off their first ever winter training trip in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, Jan. 10. The Thunderbirds’ training season, ranging from November through March, is a time to integrate and synchronize as a team and practice the demonstration.
2021
20 May 2021 | RAF
Red Arrows Return to UK Airshows
Audiences across the UK can once again enjoy the spectacular displays of the Red Arrows the first time in almost two years.
14 March 2021 | RAF
RAF Typhoons conduct strikes against Daesh in support of Iraqi ground forces
RAF Typhoons operating as part of the counter-Daesh Coalition have conducted a series of air strikes in support of Iraqi ground forces.
11 March 2021 | USAF News
Air Force receives first F-15EX
The U.S. Air Force officially accepted the first F-15EX from the Boeing Co. March 10 at the company’s St. Louis facility.
25 February 2021 | RAF
RAF Sentinel R1 aircraft conducts last operational flight
The RAF Sentinel R1 aircraft has carried out its last operational flight after 14 years of service. The Sentinel R1 aircraft of V (Army Cooperation) Squadron have flown circa 32,300 hours conducting approximately 4,870 sorties during its service life. The withdrawal from service was first announced as part of the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review.
17 February 2021 | RAF
RAF Typhoons carry out second round of airstrikes against Daesh targets in Iraq this year
RAF Typhoons have carried out airstrikes against Daesh targets in Iraq for the second time this year.
2020
23 March 2020 | RAF
Training update for the Red Arrows
… decision has been taken not to send the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, overseas for work-up training this year.
21 March 2020 | MILAVIA News
Air Show Cancellations
The challenging and unprecedented situation presented by this global crisis has forced many organizations to cancel or postpone air shows and other public aviation events.
13 March 2020 | ACC
U.S. Air Force update for air show support
"Department of the Air Force is suspending all outreach activities and support to community events through May 15. This includes, but is not limited to, on-base and civilian sponsored air shows, band performances and community engagements and meetings. "
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