McNabb Adds KC-X Will Be "Game-Changer"... When It Finally Arrives

Acquiring a new fleet of Air Force tankers, known as KC-X until an airframe is chosen, is imperative, the commander of U.S. Transportation Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday. "My top priority remains the recapitalization of our aging tanker fleet," Air Force Gen. Duncan J. McNabb told the senators. "The KC-X will be a game-changer."

The aircraft, designed to be a refueler with cargo-carrying capability, will revolutionize the mobility world the same way the C-17 did for in-theater and strategic airlift, the general said. "It will be the ultimate mobility force multiplier."

That is, when it finally gets out of the bidding process. As ANN reported, the Air Force selected Northrop Grumman/EADS for the tanker project last year, but rival bidder Boeing protested the decision. Bidding was reopened after a Government Accountability Office found flaws with the process... but the process remains in limbo, with word the Obama administration  may put off the decision due to budgetary concerns.  

McNabb also gave the senators an overview of Transcom's responsibilities and operations. All told, he said, Transcom aircrews fly 900 sorties per day.

He also praised the performance of the C-130J and C-17 airlifters. The airframes "have come of age since 9/11 and have allowed us to change how we support the combatant commanders by air," he said. "The current C-5, C-130 and KC-10 modernization programs will make an enormous difference in our capability and reliability."

(Aero-News thanks Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service)

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