Supporting U.S. Forces Worldwide
From the deployment of U.S. forces around the world to homeland security air patrols over American cities, few missions can be achieved without an efficient and capable tanker aircraft fleet.
Every mission-critical capability in U.S. Air Force and Navy air doctrine is either enabled or enhanced by in-flight refueling. Tanker operations are integral to the entire Joint Service doctrine, as well as for U.S. support of its allies during Coalition operations.
The demand for aerial refueling shows no sign of slowing: the mission share for tanker sorties increased from 13 percent during the 1991 Gulf War to 25 percent in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. As a result of this growing operational tempo, the U.S. Air Force is now facing a critical need to replace its aging KC-135 fleet.
Northrop Grumman's KC-30 Tanker is ready to serve as America's next-generation in-flight refueling platform. As a Total Air Mobility solution for the Air Force, the KC-30 provides 25 percent more fuel than the KC-135R, transports 1.8 times more bulk pallets than the C-17, and carries approximately 226 passengers or approximately 120 litters in an aeromedical configuration.
Derived from the highly successful A330 twin-engine commercial airliner, the KC-30 Tanker is the most modern and capable in-flight refueling system available to meet or exceed tanker capabilities as outlined by U.S. Air Force and Joint Service doctrines-as well as providing a very cost-effective solution for U.S. taxpayers.
The KC-30 will be made in America, by American workers with the best technology the world has to offer. Production will be at Northrop Grumman's Mobile, Alabama KC-30 Production Center, and the KC-30 program will support more than 25,000 direct and indirect U.S. jobs at partner companies and suppliers across the nation.
