Defense Daily reports, “Boston-based Merlin Labs, Inc. said on May 30 that it is using data from flights of a KC-135 at MacDill AFB, Fla., ‘to better understand crew workload drivers and gather data to expand the autonomous capabilities of the Merlin Pilot for military use cases.’”
Full Story (Defense Daily)
Tag: KC-135R
USAF Asks Aviation Industry to Detail Plans for KC-135 Replacement
Aviation Week reported that the US Air Force “wants to kick off a program to replace its aging Boeing KC-135s this month with a request for information (RFI), followed by industry days on both this effort and future mobility programs.” Aviation Week adds the USAF posted the “rare ‘heads-up’ notice on Sept. 1.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)
KC-135R Completes First Commercial Aerial Refueling of USAF Aircraft
Aviation Week reports that a privately owned Boeing KC-135R “refueled two U.S. Air Force aircraft in late June, marking the service’s first air-to-air refueling from a commercial service provider.” The Metrea Strategic Mobility-owned tanker “offloaded nearly 90,000 lb. of fuel during 13 boom contacts with an RC-135 and E-3 during Exercise Resolute Hunter between June 23-29.” Metrea’s Air and Space Group head Ty Thomas said, “We look forward to supporting more U.S. Air Force refueling requirements as well as increasing demand from allies and partners.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)