US Military AAR Tankers - US Congressional Briefin
Post# of 2306
Yet more evidence why I anticipate that there will be an "all hands on deck" approach to contracted out refueling with awards to any and all companies that can provide a capability cheaper than running on legacy KC-135s.
In addition, with the ongoing problems with the KC-46A, and now cancellation of the KC-Z program, exploration of contracted out options are likely to be under continual consideration by DoD.
Gleaned from the Report:
The restriction on operating the KC-46A as a Multi-Role Tanker Transport continues (no cargo or passengers may be carried) - this restriction would not apply to the $TMPS Tristars.
The problems with the KC-46A Remote Vision System (RVS) will persist for at least another 3-4 years - there is no problem with the $TMPS Tristar RVS.
Even if the KC-46A could be delivered at the originally planned rate of 15 aircraft per year (for 179 aircraft), the oldest KC-135R would be 80 years old upon retirement.
The average age now of the KC-135 fleet - manufactured between 1956 and 1964 - is 57 years old.
The GAO estimates that the current cost of maintaining the KC-135 in service is $10.3M per aircraft per year - and an additional $12M per aircraft for depot level maintenance every 5 years.
As each $TMPS Tristar has twice the capability of a KC-135 (and twice the capability of an Omega KC-707), this means that a $TMPS Tristar would be a competitive alternative even at $25.4M per aircraft per year - 2 x [$10.3M + $12M / 5].
That would be $100M+ per year for the fleet of 4 x Tristar KC1 MRTTs.
The Report reveals for the first time that the USAF has already abandoned plans for the 3rd of 3 legacy tanker replacement programs - KC-Z - to use the KC-46A.
Much detail is included on the serious financial problems facing Boeing over the KC-46A program.
There is now no significant non-US air arm interest in procurement of the KC-46A - everyone is buying the A330 MRTT as used by all the "top tier" air forces such as the Royal Air Force and French Air Force.
https://fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RL34398.pdf
Tempus Applied Solutions Holdings, Inc. (TMPS) Stock Research Links
A very apposite motto for those who trade successfully in the OTC market..
All posts are my opinion - trade at your own risk.