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UPDATE:Boeing Gets Initial India Request For 6 Refueling Planes

notting hill

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By Nikhil Gulati
Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
NEW DELHI (Dow Jones)--Boeing Co. (BA) said Monday it has received initial requests for information from India's federal government for supplying six refueling tankers, in what is likely to further expand the U.S. aircraft maker's presence in this burgeoning market for defense equipment.

"We will do a detailed evaluation of the request for interest from the Indian government, study our inventory, and accordingly inform the government," Vivek Lall, vice president and country head of defense and space and security at Boeing India, told reporters.

Lall didn't elaborate on the potential value of the contract.

"We will have to study what we can supply and then only we can talk about the value of the order."

Earlier this month, Boeing said that the U.S. government has received a letter of request from India's defense ministry and the Indian Air Force on the potential acquisition of 10 C-17 Globemaster III advanced airlifters.

India, one of the world's top importers of arms, wants to buy the new airlifters to modernize its fleet of Russian-built AN-32 and IL-76 airlifters.

The country is also in the process of acquiring 126 combat planes for an estimated $10 billion.

Boeing is among six companies, including Lockheed Martin Corp. and Dassault Aviation SA, who are vying for the contract--billed as the biggest fighter jet deal since the 1990s.

Boeing has estimated that it could bid for potential defense deals in India worth about $31 billion between 2009 and 2019.

"This number is going to grow as India tries to protect its borders," said Dinesh Keskar, president of Boeing India. "Our estimates are for segments which we can address such as fighter and attack aircrafts, heavy lift cargo aircrafts, missiles, airborne early warning and training systems."

New Plane Repair Center, 787 Dreamliner Delivery

Boeing Co. will start building a $100 million aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul center in a joint venture with state-run carrier, Air India, this year, Keskar said.

"We had deferred the construction of the MRO (center) since delivery of the 787 was being deferred," Keskar said. "Now, we are on track to deliver the first 787 Dreamliner to Air India by the second quarter of 2011."

The Dreamliners were originally scheduled to be delivered in late 2009. Air India has ordered 27 of the twin-aisle, long-haul aircraft.

Keskar said the MRO center, being built in the western Indian city of Nagpur, will primarily service Air India's fleet of 787 and 777 planes.

Keskar said Boeing will take about two to two-and-a-half years to build the repair center. "When Air India gets the plane (787), it won't require maintenance for at least two years, so we are talking about 2013 (when the center will be operational)."

UPDATE:Boeing Gets Initial India Request For 6 Refueling Planes - WSJ.com
 
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so, this is the reason of cancellation of airbus....
 
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Why didn't they responded when the first time India sent request. Looks to me like they feel F-18 winning the battle so they can sell their own refuller for their plane..
 
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I think government is going to give the refueler order to US company, Boeing, as a step towards strengthening relationship between India and US. Probably it would be like for most defence equipment purchase in the future. It does make sense when we look at the pattern that by giving defense orders to US, India is creating jobs in US. On the otherhand, US is making exceptional offers like Nuke-deal etc to India. Both happy!!! I could be wrong but its just my guess!
 
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Why didn't they responded when the first time India sent request. Looks to me like they feel F-18 winning the battle so they can sell their own refuller for their plane..

Yes, F-18 might win the MMRCA so that IAF can, u know, easily sync their aircrafts. :agree:

Moreover, the article is not about India gave purchase order to US, its just that they recived a "Request for Info" for their refueler. I assume every major refueler manufacturers outhere have gotten one. Its just an article Boeing claiming they just recieved one. Either way am happy!;)
 
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Why didn't they responded when the first time India sent request. Looks to me like they feel F-18 winning the battle so they can sell their own refuller for their plane..

I think globemaster and refuelers are the consolation prize and the 10 billion order is gonna go to Russia for mig 35
 
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I think government is going to give the refueler order to US company, Boeing, as a step towards strengthening relationship between India and US. Probably it would be like for most defence equipment purchase in the future. It does make sense when we look at the pattern that by giving defense orders to US, India is creating jobs in US. On the otherhand, US is making exceptional offers like Nuke-deal etc to India. Both happy!!! I could be wrong but its just my guess!

Can't say certainly but in my opinion India is doing all this to get the US support for UN Security Council permanent membership with Vito power.

The US stuff are cheaper and equally good, but we should not put all the eggs in a basket.
 
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India will never get veto power in UN. If they add new member's they will be without veto.
 
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Boeing may well place their KC-767 for the competiton



General characteristics

* Crew: 3: 2 pilots, 1 boom operator
* Capacity: up to 200 passengers or 19 463L pallets
* Length: 159 ft 2 in (48.5 m)
* Wingspan: 156 ft 1 in (47.6 m)
* Height: 52 ft (15.8 m)
* Empty weight: 181,610 lb (82,377 kg)
* Max takeoff weight: 395,000 lb (186,880 kg)
* Powerplant: 2× GE CF6-80C2 turbofan, 60,200 lbf (268 kN) each
* Maximum Fuel Load: 160,660 lb (72,877 kg)

Performance

* Maximum speed: Mach 0.86 (570 mph, 915 km/h)
* Cruise speed: Mach 0.80 (530 mph, 851 km/h)
* Range: 6,385 nmi (12,200 km)
* Service ceiling: 40,100 ft (12,200 m)
* For KC-767 Advanced Tanker:[46]
o Max takeoff weight: over 400,000 lb (181,000 kg)
o Maximum Fuel Load: over 202,000 lb (91,600 kg)
o Capacity: 190 passengers, 19 463L pallets or 19 patients
o Powerplant: 2x Pratt & Whitney PW4062,[48] 63,500 lbf (282 kN) each
Unit cost ~US$130-150 million
 
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indian brothers ab select ker bhee lo yar kay tum logoon ko kon sa fighter chaiay:D
 
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India's Ministry of Defence (MoD) has summarily cancelled the INR48 billion (USD1.06 billion) tender for six multirole tanker transports (MRTTs) for the Indian Air Force (IAF), for which the EADS-built Airbus Military A330 MRTT was the preferred choice.

In 2008 the IAF had recommended the A330 MRTT over the rival Russian Ilyushin Il-78, of which it acquired six in 2004 for INR8 billion.

However, ignoring its evaluation following years of extended trials, the MoD dispatched a cryptic letter to EADS in New Delhi on 4 January withdrawing the tender, which IAF sources indicated was on the 'verge' of closure.

MoD sources said the MRTT requirement would now be retendered, resulting in interminable delays.

"It will now take many more years to shortlist another MRTT unless the MoD insists we acquire the Il-78s against our better judgement," an IAF officer said, declining to be identified.

The terminated tender required Airbus to deliver the first A330 MRTT to the IAF within three years of signing the deal and the remaining five within 15 months thereafter.

EADS officials in Delhi declined to comment on the tender's withdrawal, but defence industry sources said "vested interests" had influenced the federal Cabinet meeting on 29 December 2009 that decided to cancel the acquisition of the badly needed MRTTs.

Military sources said that, despite entreaties not to do so by the IAF, Defence Minister A K Antony agreed to cancel the MRTT purchase after the federal finance ministry raised objections on grounds of the A330's high cost.
 
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In January 2004, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced the selection of the AirTanker consortium under a private finance initiative arrangement to provide air-to-air refuelling services for the UK's Army, Navy and Air Force. The programme is known as the future strategic tanker aircraft (FSTA) programme. In February 2005, AirTanker was confirmed as Preferred Bidder for the FSTA.

In June 2007, the UK MoD approved the private finance intiative (PFI) for 14 A330-200 tankers, under which AirTanker will own and support the aircraft while the RAF will fly the aircraft and have total operational control. In March 2008, the UK MoD placed a 27-year contract for the 14 aircraft to enter service in 2011.

"The A330-200 tanker transporters will replace the RAF's fleet of 26 VC-10 and Tristar tanker aircraft."The AirTanker Consortium is led by EADS with a 40% share, and also includes Cobham (13.33%), Rolls-Royce (20%), Thales (13.33%) and VT Aerospace (13.33%).

The tanker transporters will replace the RAF's fleet of 26 VC-10 and Tristar tanker aircraft which are approaching the end of operational life.

The MoD air-to-air refuelling programme will cover a 27-year service period and represents the world's largest defence private financing initiative arrangement. The contract includes options to extend the service for a further period.

The consortium will convert and own the A330-200 multi-role tanker transporter (MRTT) aircraft. The consortium is responsible for certifying and maintaining the aircraft and also for the provision of crew training for the RAF and the provision of sponsored reservist aircrews to supplement RAF crew when required.

In April 2004, Australia also selected the A330-200 MRTT for the AIR 5402 requirement for five aircraft. The MRTT, designated the KC-30B, will replace Australia's Boeing 707 tanker transporters. In June 2006, Airbus delivered the first A330 platform to EADS CASA in Madrid for conversion. First flight of the KC-30 for Australia was in June 2007. The aircraft are planned to enter service from 2009.

In February 2007, the A330 MRTT was selected by the United Arab Emirates. The contract was placed in February 2008 for three aircraft to enter service from 2011.

In January 2008, Saudi Arabia placed an order for three A330 MRTT aircraft. The aircraft will be fitted with the EADS air refuelling boom system (ARBS) and hose and drogue refuelling pods.

The A330-200 MRTT has a sufficiently high cruise speed and large internal fuel capacity to fly 4,000km, refuel six fighter aircraft en route and carry 43t of non-fuel cargo. Similarly, the aircraft could give away 68t of fuel during two hours on station at a range of 1,000nm.

In February 2008, the KC-30 (since redesignated the KC-45), a tanker based on the A330, was chosen for the US Air Force KC-X next-generation tanker requirement to replace the KC-135. Northrop Grumman led the KC-30 team with EADS as major subcontractor. An appeal by competitor Boeing was upheld and in September 2008, the US Department of Defense cancelled the competition, citing the need to defer any decision for the next presidential administration taking power in January 2008.

Deployment

The company AirTanker Services Ltd will operate and maintain the fleet of A330-200 MRTT aircraft. VT Group, the support services integrator, will be based at RAF Brize Norton.

On military operations the aircraft will be flown by Royal Air Force aircrew. When not in military service the aircraft can be leased for commercial use and operated by civilian aircrew.

It is envisaged that the fleet will be managed in three groups. A majority will be in full time military service with the RAF. Another group will be in military service during the weekdays, switching to commercial use at the weekend, and the other aircraft will be in full-time commercial use but available to the RAF in times of crisis.

Manufacture and conversion

The standard A330-200 commercial aircraft will be built at the Airbus manufacturing centre at Toulouse. The aircraft are to be transferred to Cobham manufacturing facilities at Bournemouth International Airport, UK, for conversion to the tanker transporter variant and aircraft certification will be carried out by QinetiQ at Boscombe Down.

"The A330-200 MRTT has a sufficiently high cruise speed and large internal fuel capacity to fly 4,000km."All the aircraft will be capable of being fitted with two Cobham FRL 900E Mark 32B refuelling pods, one under each wing. Some aircraft will receive a third centreline underbelly refuelling system.

The A330-200 wing shares the same design structure including the strengthened mounting points as that of the four-engine A340 aircraft. The wing positions for mounting the air-to-air refuelling pods therefore require minimal modification.

The aircraft's fuel system includes the installation of additional pipework and controls.

The baseline commercial aircraft uses a configuration of very high capacity fuel tanks in the wings so modifications to the fuel tanks for the tanker transporter role are not required.

Other than the refuelling systems, the main areas of modifications are the installation of plug-in and removable military avionics, military communications and a defensive aids suite. The military systems will be removed when the aircraft is in commercial non-military use. The passenger cabin and the cargo compartment are not altered.

The lower deck cargo compartment can hold six 88in x 108in Nato standard pallets plus two LD3 containers. The civil cargo load could be 28 LD3 containers or eight 96in×125in pallets plus two LD3 containers.

Refuelling
The aircraft has a maximum fuel capacity of 139,090l or 111t. The high fuel capacity enables the aircraft to fly at longer ranges, to stay on station longer and to refuel more aircraft, which increases the basing options and reduces forces reliance on host nation support. For the UK requirement the aircraft is fitted with a hose and drogue system but will be fitted with a refuelling boom system for the Australian order.

Cobham is providing the air refuelling equipment including the 905E wing pods and a fuselage refuelling unit. Cobham also supplies antennae, cockpit control systems, oxygen and fuel system units and composite components for all Airbus A330 aircraft.

The QinetiQ AirTanker support team carried out an air refuelling trial of the A330-200 aircraft on 28 October 2003. The test involved assessing the handling qualities of the Tornado aircraft flown in a number of representative refuelling positions astern the wing and centreline refuelling stations. The two-hour flight test included various approaches to the refuelling positions and exploring displacements vertically and laterally from the normal refuelling position.

The trial was carried out in between 15,000ft and 20,000ft and at 280kt which is the middle of the Tornado's refuelling envelope. Within this test envelope there was minimum turbulence in the airflow astern the A330-200 and the Tornado's handling qualities were very satisfactory in all tested positions.

"The high fuel capacity enables the aircraft to fly at longer ranges, to stay on station longer and to refuel more aircraft."Flight deck
The flight deck of the A330 is similar to that of the A340. The tanker transporter aircraft cockpit has a refuelling officer's station behind the pilot and co-pilot seats.

The electronic flight information system has six large interchangable displays with duplicated primary flight and navigation displays (PFD and ND) and electronic centralised aircraft monitors (ECAM). The pilot and co-pilot positions have sidestick controllers and rudder pedals. The aircraft is equipped with an Airbus future navigation system (FANS-A), including a Honeywell flight management system and Smiths digital control and display system.

The fly-by-wire computer suite includes three flight control primary computers and two flight control secondary computers, all operating continuously.

UK tankers are being fitted with the Northrop Grumman large aircraft infrared countermeasures system (LAIRCM).

Cargo and passengers

Even with a full fuel load, the aircraft has the capacity to carry 43t of cargo. The aircraft can carry up to 285 passengers.

Engines

The aircraft for the UK are powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 772B jet engines, each providing 71,100lb of thrust. The aircraft for Australia are powered by GE CF6-80E1 engines, rated at 72,000lb thrust.

The auxiliary power unit is a Hamilton Sundstrand GTCP 331-350C.

The main four-wheel bogie landing gear, the fuselage centre line twin wheel auxiliary gear and the twin wheel nose units are fitted with Goodyear tyres. The runway length for maximum take-off weight is 2,650m and the ground turning radius is 43.6m.



This is the one which india has canceled sir
 
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The Boeing 767 tanker transport aircraft, designated KC-767 for the US Air Force, is a high-performance version of the Boeing 767-200ER twin-aisle jetliner equipped for fully integrated tanker operations. It is fitted with either boom and receptacle refuelling, hose and drogue refuelling or both.

The commercial 767 first entered service in 1982 and more than 880 aircraft have been delivered. The cabin of the tanker can be configured for passenger transport, as a freighter, convertible (passenger or freighter) or Combi (passenger and freighter).

"The Boeing
KC-767 tanker transport aircraft is a high-performance version of the Boeing 767-200ER twin-aisle jetliner."In the 1980s and in 1990/91 Boeing conducted studies directed towards the identification of an appropriate successor to the KC-135 Stratotanker, a derivative of the Boeing 707 jetliner. In 1991 the 707 production line was finally closed and studies confirmed that the long range twin engine 767 was a strong candidate to replace the KC-135.

In May 2003, the US Air Force announced that it would lease 100 tankers to replace the oldest of its KC-135 tankers, subject to congressional approval. The lease would be for six years, starting in 2006. An option to buy at the end of the lease was included in the deal. A Defense Science Board review of the USAF's proposed lease concluded that further studies were required before a decision could be taken. An analysis of alternatives was completed in April 2006. A revised request for proposals for the KC-X was issued in December 2006.

Boeing submitted a revised bid for the KC-X in April 2007, the KC-767AT Advanced Tanker based on a newer version 767-200LR long-range freighter aircraft (rather than the 200ER) with Pratt & Whitney PW4062 engines. The contract was awarded to the Northrop Grumman KC-30 in February 2008.

Boeing has appealed against the award and has asked the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review the decision in relation to the evaluation award criteria established for the competition. The GAO sustained the protest and in June 2008 recommended that the USAF reopen the bidding process. In September 2008, the US Department of Defense cancelled the competition, citing the need to defer any decision until the next presidential administration took power in January 2009.

In July 2001, the Italian Air Force ordered four 767 tanker transports in the combi variant with deliveries scheduled to begin in mid-2008. The aircraft is designated B-767 and Alenia Aeronautica is assisting in development and production. The maiden flight of the first aircraft was in May 2005.

In April 2003, the Japanese Air Self Defence Force ordered four of the convertible freighter variant. The maiden flight of the first aircraft was in December 2006. The first two aircraft were delivered in February and March 2008. The third is scheduled for delivery in 2009 and the final aircraft in 2010.

Boeing announced in May 2009 that the three KC-767J aerial refuelling tankers had achieved initial operational capability (IOC) and have been placed in an active air wing in the Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF). Boeing is scheduled to transfer the fourth tanker to Itochu in December for delivery to the Japanese Ministry of Defence in the first quarter of 2010.

Design

The structure incorporates new materials such as improved aluminium alloys, graphite composites and hybrid Kevlar graphite composites, which give enhanced strength, durability and longevity.

The configuration of a commercial 767 for the tanker transport role involves the installation of additional pumps and auxiliary fuel tanks together with the fuel distribution lines below the floor of the main cabin, leaving the main cabin free for cargo, passenger or both cargo and passenger transportation. The concept allows simultaneous refuelling and airlift operations or successive refuelling and airlift missions.

"US Air Force is to lease 100 tankers."In the cargo configuration, the aircraft can transport 19 standard military 463-L pallets; in the passenger configuration, 200 passengers can be accommodated; and in the Combi configuration ten cargo pallets and 100 passengers can be carried.

Cockpit

The 767 Tanker Transport aircraft has an advanced two person all-digital flight deck. Smiths Aerospace supply the mission control system which interfaces with the refuelling system. The control system is a derivative of the flight management system on the commercial Boeing 737. Innovative Solutions & Support Inc. will supply the flat panel pilot's mission display (PMD) and aerial refuelling operator control display (AROCD).

Rockwell Collins will supply the communications and navigation suite. Kaiser Electro-optics (a Rockwell Collins company) will supply head-mounted display systems for the remote aerial refuelling operator.

The 767 tanker transport will be equipped with military avionics, navigation and communications and an optional defensive aids suite with radar warning receivers and electronic and opto-electronic countermeasures.

Refuelling

The 767 aircraft can be modified to accommodate refuelling wingpods and a centreline hose for probe and drogue refuelling. The 767 will accommodate any combination of these configurations. Smiths Aerospace supply the hydraulically-powered hose and drogue refuelling system. The fuselage can also be fitted with a centreline refuelling boom for boom and receptacle refuelling missions.

Boeing will produce the boom itself and Smiths the boom actuation system. BAE Systems has been selected to supply the CsLEOS real-time operating system for boom control. The boom can refuel at the rate of 600gal/min, the centreline hose at 600gal/min and the wingpods at 400gal/min.

The USAF air fuel transfer method is through the boom and receptacle air refuelling technique. The US Navy, the US Marines and Nato aircraft have traditionally used the hose and drogue air refuelling method.

In the cargo configuration, the KC-767 aircraft can transport 19 standard military 463-L palletsAircraft using hose and drogue refuelling include US Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and USMC AV-8B Harrier Plus aircraft. Aircraft using the flying boom refuelling system include the USAF F-111, F-15, F-16, the UK Eurofighter and the French F-1 Mirage. Future aircraft such as the joint strike fighter will be developed for the optional installation of either refuelling system according to the customer country's operational requirements.

Tankers are fitted with tactical floodlights on the engine pylons, wing pods and the boom area to assist night-time refuelling operations. The drogue itself is fitted with small lights around the perimeter to help night operations.

New-generation highly ruggedised and impact resistant air-to-air refuelling drogues have been fitted with gaseous tritium lights with no wires or moving parts.

Fly-by-wire boom

In January 2007, KC-767's advanced fifth-generation fly-by-wire boom (a telescoping tube used to deliver fuel to military aircraft) made a series of 'dry contacts' with a B-52 bomber assigned to the Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, California.

Built on an aerodynamic shape, the advanced boom can transfer 900gal (3,400l) of fuel a minute. It provides for greater precision and control to the operator. The boom automatically corrects its position to reduce potential damage to the receiver aircraft. It is easier to maintain for it has 2,600 fewer parts than previous booms.

Engines

The two turbofan podded engines are mounted below the leading edges of the wings. 767 tankers for the Italian Air Force and the Japanese Air Self Defence Force will be equipped with GE Aircraft Engines CF6-80C2 engines, rated at 276kN. In March 2004, Boeing announced that the Pratt & Whitney PW4062 engine, rated at 282kN, would be the standard production engine for the USAF and future aircraft.

Boeing's KC-767 and Northrop Grumman's KC-45

Stalemate continues as the Obama administration insists on a winner-take-all strategy for the US Air Force's tanker replacement contract, while congress proposed to split the KC-X tanker purchase between the two duelling competitors - the Boeing KC-767 and the Airbus A330-based Northrop Grumman / EADS North America KC-45.

In 2008, Northrop's team won the KC-X contract, but the award was overturned by the US Government Accountability Office due to procedural breakdowns by the air force. The USAF plans to buy at least 100 KC-X tankers to replace the oldest of more than 400 Boeing KC-135s in its fleet.



This one india is going for
 
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The Boeing company built 732 KC-135 Stratotankers for the US Air Force between 1957 and 1965. The US Air Force still has about 550 KC-135 Stratotankers in service (active duty, 253; Air National Guard, 222; Air Force Reserve, 70) and has made substantial investment in a series of upgrade programs, including reskinning of the lower wing surfaces, the installation of new CFM56 engines and new avionics systems.

411 of the aircraft in service are the upgraded 135R models and 134 the older 135E. The KC-135 is also in service with the air forces of France (11 aircraft), Turkey (seven) and Singapore (four).

Refuelling

The primary air fuel transfer method is through the tanker's flying boom, controlled by an operator stationed at the rear of the fuselage. USAF aircraft have primarily used this boom and receptacle refuelling technique.

A shuttlecock drogue can be trailed behind the boom and used to refuel aircraft equipped with refuelling probes. Aircraft fitted with the boom drogue cannot refuel boom and receptacle aircraft.

Hose and drogue air refuelling
About 45 US Air Force KC-135R Stratotankers are fitted with mk32B wingtip hose and drogue air refuelling pods, which are supplied by Flight Refuelling Ltd. These are capable of refuelling Navy and NATO aircraft, which use a probe and drogue system instead of a boom and receptacle. The receiving aircraft approaches the tanker and its probe makes contact with a hose reeled out and trailing from the tanker.

The additional system allows the KC-135R to refuel both probe / drogue and boom / receptacle aircraft on a single mission and to refuel two probe/drogue aircraft simultaneously.

The installation of wingtip refuelling pods involves a major modification and refit to the entire aircraft, including modifications to the wing and fuselage fuel tanks, additional fuel control systems and the installation of indicators and circuit breakers on the flight deck.

Inside the refuelling pods, a collapsible funnel-shaped drogue is attached to a hose, which is reeled out to trail behind the wing of the aircraft. The hose is fitted with a constant tension spring to give stability to the hose while it is extended.

Cargo

Passengers and up to 37,650kg cargo can be carried on the cargo deck above the refuelling systems.

Avionics

The USAF selected Rockwell Collins to carry out the modernisation of the avionics system under the KC-135 Pacer CRAG (compass, radar and global positioning system) programme.

"The primary air fuel transfer method is through the tanker's flying boom."The upgraded avionics include cockpit enhancements with the Collins FMS-800 integrated flight management system, Collins FDS-255 liquid crystal flat-panel multifunction flight display, and the Collins WXR-700X forward-looking predictive windshear weather radar.

The flight management system is integrated with a traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS) and an enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS).

Subsequent to the Pacer CRAG programme, the USAF selected Rockwell Collins to update the KC-135 flight deck in support of the Global Air Traffic Management (GATM) initiative. The GATM upgrade program will focus primarily on upgrading the aircraft's communication and navigation systems to free operation in civil airspace. 50 of the 550 USAF aircraft received the upgrade under the Phase I low-rate initial production contract and the first production aircraft was delivered in August 2003.

The second LRIP contract, signed in July 2003, provided for a further 25 aircraft to be upgraded. The Phase II full rate production contract for 30 more systems was signed in April 2004. As of March 2008, 229 upgraded aircraft had been delivered.

GATM additions to the communications system include an Aero-I SAT-2000 satellite communications system and two FANs (future air navigation) capable CMU-900 Communication Management Units for data link applications. Also, the addition of two Collins integrated processing centres provides an integrated, modularised platform for hosting several partitioned GATM-related software applications.

GATM additions to the navigation system include two Collins GNLU-955M multi-mode receivers, which contain individual modules for GPS, MLS and FM-Immune VOR/ILS (VHF omni-directional radio range steering guidance linked with an instrument landing system) capabilities. Additionally, one existing and one newly added embedded global positioning system / inertial navigation system (EGI) unit will possess 12-channel, all-in-view GPS receivers.

Mission variants

Some KC-135 aircraft have been configured for other missions such as reconnaissance and as a flying command post.

"Some KC-135 aircraft have been configured for other missions such as reconnaissance."The US Air Combat Command operates 17 RC-135V/W rivet joint reconnaissance aircraft and the OC-135B open skies observation aircraft and the US Strategic Command operates the EC-135 flying command post. The US Strategic Command has one EC-135C on alert status at all times, ready to take command if ground control is compromised.

Engines

The KC-135R aircraft has been updated with more efficient CFM International CFM-56 engines, which burn up to 25% less fuel and provide greater thrust than previously fitted engines. The efficiency of the engines enable the aircraft to offload 50% more fuel on a medium-radius, 1,725-mile refuelling mission. 410 of the USAF fleet of 546 KC-135s have been re-engined. The remainder have Pratt & Whitney TF33-102 engines


this is the another option for india
 
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