C-135

The C-135 program, within the Aircraft Procurement, Air Force category, focuses on modifying in-service aircraft to ensure the KC-135 fleet remains operationally effective through 2050 and beyond. The primary goal is to maintain and enhance the aerial refueling capabilities of the KC-135, which is crucial for supporting global operations. This involves modernization efforts that address both capability improvements and reliability enhancements across various systems within the aircraft.

Key objectives for this program include several capability improvement projects such as the Rudder Position Indicator (RPI), Real Time in the Cockpit (RTIC), MUOS Radios, COMM2 Crypto and Data, and HF Modernization. Each project targets specific areas of the KC-135's functionality to improve situational awareness, secure communications, and overall mission effectiveness. The RPI aims to enhance aircrew situational awareness by providing visual indicators of rudder positions to prevent errant deflections.

The program also addresses critical issues like Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) by upgrading outdated components such as radios and communication systems. The MUOS Radios project ensures compliance with NSA cryptographic modernization mandates while maintaining secure communication capabilities. HF Modernization replaces legacy radios with modernized systems to support operations in SATCOM-denied environments.

These efforts are coordinated through various milestones and development phases to ensure timely implementation. The program leverages both organic and contracted field teams for installation and integration tasks, ensuring that all modifications align with strategic objectives set forth by the Air Mobility Command and other defense agencies involved in maintaining the operational readiness of the KC-135 fleet.