KC-135 and DE-MVP

[Zaphod58]

During Resolute Force Pacific 25 (REFORPAC 25) a Utah based KC-135 flew with what appeared to be standard drogue pods on the wings. The pods were part of the Datalink Enhancement-Minimum Viable Product testing. It allows the KC-135 to take information from three LOS datalinks, and multiple BLOS datalinks, and connect players at long range. It also allows the tanker to be more survivable, as it gives them significantly more situational awareness of threats displayed on a moving map display in the cockpit.

The Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center is also developing a High Value Airborne Asset pod that will provide enhanced self protection to KC-135s flying in high threat areas. 

The Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center (AATC) KC-135 Test Detachment, working alongside the Utah Air National Guard’s 151st Wing, continues to demonstrate how warfighter-driven innovation can transform the proven KC-135 Stratotanker into a next-generation asset ready for contested, multi-domain operations.
In July, during Resolute Force Pacific 25 (REFORPAC 25), the detachment tested advanced connectivity systems aboard a KC-135, expanding tactical communications across joint and combined forces. REFORPAC 25, part of the Department of the Air Force’s broader Department-Level Exercise series, tasked units across the Indo-Pacific to rapidly disperse, operate, and integrate across thousands of miles. For AATC, the exercise offered an ideal environment to push new technologies under real-world stressors and demonstrate how rapid modernization strengthens America’s ability to respond in the Pacific.

https://www.151wg.af.mil/News/Article-Di...ivability/

[Avicula]

It ain’t sexy. It’s not high speed. It doesn’t even have a cool acronym (though they did manage to work “warfighter” into the description… ). But this is the kind of thing that’s going to keep our people and material intact and in play.

Even our older tankers can be part of the data collection and dissemination process now, and that is really neat.

[Blackfingers]

Shades of the Black Buck raid during the Falklands when the Vulcan Bombers were upgraded with the ECM pods used on the Buccaneers.

[Maxmars]

Is it me?  Or is it like the KC-135 is a 'forever' air-frame?... (they were the workhorse decades ago... and still seem to be.)

[Zaphod58]

Is it me?  Or is it like the KC-135 is a 'forever' air-frame?... (they were the workhorse decades ago... and still seem to be.)

And will be for another twenty or so years.