Boeing has stated that developing its 777 aircraft into a tanker platform for the US Air Force’s (USAF’s) new KC-X tanker replacement programme will be a challenging prospect if delivery schedule is a key part of the new request for proposals (RfP).

The competing Northrop Grumman/EADS team, meanwhile, is hoping that language rewarding high fuel offload will be retained in the RfP.

Boeing confirmed that all variants of its civilian 767 and 777 airliners are currently being considered as a potential basis for its proposal for the KC-X contest.

However, speaking on 16 June at the Paris Air Show, Dave Bowman, vice president of tanker programmes for Boeing, conceded that “if they [the USAF] value schedule … then clearly we have a challenge on our hands” if a 777-based proposal is submitted.

Under the original KC-X RfP, initial operational capability (IOC) for the chosen tanker was expected to be achieved 48 months after contract award.

Bowman confirmed that the company will decide which aircraft to bid for the contest once they have reviewed the requirements contained within the new RfP, a draft of which industry officials expect to be issued in late August. At present, Boeing’s platform for the contest is designated with the notional title of ‘KC-7A7’.

http://www.janes.com/news/defence/jdw/jdw090622_1_n.shtml

The Soviets found the 12.7mm lacked penetration through sanger walls. They ended up increasing Hind armament to 30mm as a result.

Last figures I have for current USAF/ANG/reserves is:
KC-135E: 37 (or possibly all grounded?)
KC-135R: 363
KC-135T: 54
Availability is something like 63%. So 286 tankers available.

As of a couple of years ago:
175 KC-X to replace early KC-135E/R with deliveries at 15/year (2011-22/23?). There was talk of 80 as KC-X platform, then either remainder as KC-X or switching to KC-Y platform.
195 KC-Y to replace remainder of KC-135. Selection ~2020 for deliveries 2024-36.
108 KC-Z to replace KC-10. Selection ~2033 for deliveries 2037-48.

They are after more and bigger tankers (108 KC-Z to replace ~54 KC-10). Both the A330 and 767 will be waaay too old for the KC-Y and KC-Z (any platform suggestions are crystal ball gazing).

Its a shame KC-X has been stalled by much as what it has, select 175 of something with a new airframe (is Boeing 767 still in production?), decent engines (something in civil service) and order it already!

I’m sorry – are you guys saying you can look at a display and say 8G, 9G, 10.5G turn?

Wow!

Izdeliye-300 is the 5th gen R-74 isn’t it?

I wonder how about the 5th gen radar guided A2A missile in the range of the R-77PD?

Nice list btw! 🙂

Izedeliye 180-PD is basically R-77PD, although with the other changes mentioned.

Although I’d agree, without actual hardware or progress its just a list.

Its not always right, but Wiki put it at

Naval aviation : 35
Airforce: 195

I had 30 and 170 Mi-8 and Mi-8MT transports. They are at least 11 Mi-9, around 20-30 EW versions and odds and sods.

Forgot to mention there are probably others in the different paramilitary organisations (Ministry of the Interior or whatever its called), but I lack numbers for these.

AIM-120D isn’t due till FY2011. I think AIM-9X Block II is 2010.

Future Russian AAM are:
R-77-1 (Izedeliye 170-1): R-77 with new seeker. Either in service, or shortly will be.

Izedeliye 180: Based n further modernised R-77. Possibly will have standard tail fins, two stage motor, warhead with adaptable fuse, 2 way datalink. Seeker might be dual PRH/TARH. Was due 2010ish.

Izedeliye 180-PD: Ramjet powered version.

Izedeliye 810: Modernised R-37/R-37M. Seems sorta strange, as Izedeliye 180-PD would have long range and would be lighter.

Izedeliye 760: Based on K-74M all digital design with new seeker

K-MD (Izedeliye 300): New design with TVC and imaging seeker.