USAF tanker could cost $200B

Published: Jan 30, 2006
Source: aimpoints.hq.af.mil



It will cost the U.S. Air Force between $109 billion and $200 billion to buy new planes to replace its fleet of 45-year-old refueling tankers, new analysis shows. But replacement may not need to begin for six to eight years, according to a long-awaited Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) drafted by the RAND think tank.

The Air Force should buy new medium or large commercial aircraft to replace its KC-135 tankers, the AoA says. The 1,500-page report — briefed Jan. 26 to select members of Congress — dismisses earlier recommendations by the Defense Science Board and the Congressional Research Service (CRS) to consider leasing tankers, re-engining existing tankers and converting used planes like DC-10s for the job.

The Air Force operates 59 Boeing KC-10 Extenders and some 531 KC-135 Stratotankers, of which 114 are E models and 417 upgraded R models.continue..