‘Everything and the kitchen sink:’ USAF plots new refueling tanker

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Air Force wants its next-generation aerial refuelling tanker, dubbed KC-Z, to be flying and reach initial operational capability by 2040. According to a request for information the Air Force posted online on Jan. 31, the service plans to start conducting an analysis of alternatives for the next-generation air refuelling system, or NGAS, in October and wants to hear what the defense industry might have in mind for it. Industry has until March 2 to submit its responses. The KC-Z would be the third and final stage of the Air…