Operational Flexibility
The KC-30 offers unmatched performance by carrying more fuel, offering superior fuel off-load rates and guaranteeing flexibility though multi-point refueling with a mix of boom, hose and drogue, and hose drum systems.
State-of-the-art multipoint refueling allows the KC-30 to service more aircraft per mission, thereby reducing or eliminating queues of waiting aircraft, and lowering fuel-related mission abort rates.
The KC-30's two underwing pods, along with its centerline hose & drogue unit, allow probe-equipped receiver aircraft from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and allied forces to be refueled.
The optimized widebody fuselage cross-section and large internal volume greatly increase the KC-30's efficiency for cargo and airlift missions, and give it the ability to self-deploy troops and equipment from the continental United States to overseas theaters.
The KC-30 can directly support a fighter squadron's deployment by carrying its operational personnel and equipment while also performing refueling escort for the squadron's aircraft to an overseas base. This allows the fighter squadron to deploy as a unit, then quickly ramp up to a combat-level sortie rate after arrival - a key capability when force must rapidly be brought to bear without a sustained buildup.
In addition, the KC-30 is perfectly suited to undertake additional missions for current and future U.S. Air Force requirements. The large cabin provides volume for additional mission equipment, and the onboard power system can accommodate add-on loads such as Scalable, Multifunction, Automated Relay Terminals (SMART). Northrop Grumman performed pioneering development for the Air Force on ROBE (Roll-on Beyond Line-of-sight Enhancement) and SMART tankers.
The KC-30 can carry up to 226 passengers/troops on the main deck, with additional volume for accompanying gear and material in lower deck cargo bays.
As many as 26 463L pallets can be accommodated on the KC-30's main deck, with loading/unloading facilitated through the 141-in. X 100.6-in cargo door. An additional 6 pallets can be carried in the lower deck.
As a Total Air Mobility solution for the Air Force, the KC-30 has the volume and power margins to support add-on C2ISR (Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) systems.
The KC-30's true widebody fuselage cross-section accommodates intensive care systems and approximately 120 litters in medevac applications. A typical mixed configuration would combine 70 litters with six intensive care units and 113 passengers/medical staff on the main deck.
