Likely to Be Built in America
“The LMXT is built in America by Americans for Americans with production and tanker modification occurring across the U.S.A. Strengthens the U.S. aerospace industry through partnerships with existing customers and new suppliers. It creates a diverse workforce by maintaining and sustaining high-tech, high-skill American manufacturing jobs. From assembly to conversion to delivery, the LMXT will make a strong economic impact in the U.S.”
Based on a System Already in Service
“From day one, the LMXT will be capable of accomplishing the full range of missions demanded of air refueling aircraft, building on the Multi Role Tanker Transport’s (MRTT) proven combat record in both boom and hose-and-drogue refueling operations. The LMXT is based on the strategic tanking choice for 13 nations around the world. It currently supports fighter, transport and maritime patrol aircraft for the U.S. and allied partners. Current receiver air refueling certifications for the MRTT include the F-35A, F-22, F-16, A-10, B-1B, C-17, E-3, E-7, F-15, and the P-8A.”
Proven and Capable
“The LMXT’s capabilities seamlessly recapitalize tankers with immediately improved air refueling, increased fuel offload at range, and proven combat capability to support multiple mission requirements. The LMXT is a proven airframe designed to meet U.S. Air Force mission requirements through unprecedented range. It serves as the world’s first fully automatic boom/air-to-air refueling (A3R) system. The LMXT has a proven fly-by-wire boom certified by customers and allies around the clock and around the world.”
But There’s No Big Door
“The LMXT provides state-of-the-art capabilities to support future tanker-related missions. It offers open system architecture JADC2 systems. The LMXT also leverages multi-domain operations node to increase onboard situational awareness, connecting the airframe to the larger environment. And the LMXT provides space flexibility and availability to support future requirements and needs.” However, the LMXT does not come equipped with a main cargo deck accessible via a large side-opening door for palletized or oversized loads. The KC-10A Extender, the KC-135 Stratotanker, and the KC-46A Pegasus all have the capability to carry large cargo as well as perform aerial refueling.
Already Passing Gas
Current operators of the MRTT include Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Potential operators include Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, India, Spain, Qatar, Sweden, and Egypt. The MRTT has been designated KC-45 (when in competition with the Boeing KC-46A), KC-30A (in Australian service), and Voyager KC2 and Voyager KC3 (in Royal Air Force service).
More News Next Year
Lockheed Martin and Airbus announced an agreement in 2018 to collaborate on future tanker proposals, but the LMXT is a direct result of a Request for Information put out by the Air Force earlier in 2021 looking for an interim tanker capability to bridge the gap between the KC-46A and what has been dubbed the KC-Z future design. In that RFI, the service stated it wants to buy 140 to 160 of the interim design in order to help retire some of the oldest KC-135 tankers. A final request for proposals is expected in 2022.
