SNC has assembled BAE Systems, Collins Aerospace and GE Aerospace to develop a modernization solution for the U.S. Air Force’s KC-135 Center Console Refresh programme. The proposed upgrade would replace ageing avionics and fuel-management technology, update flight displays and computing, and add autothrottle capability. The consortium expects the programme to run from 2028 to 2038, but its formation does not mean it has secured a contract or begun work.
The Air Force initiated the effort to address obsolescence in the tanker’s fuel-system components, displays and integrated computing architecture. The team’s proposed solution uses an open architecture and is intended to reduce pilot workload and improve reliability and operational availability. No contract value or detailed implementation schedule was disclosed.
SNC is leading the consortium. BAE Systems is contributing fuel-management expertise, while Collins brings more than three decades of KC-135 avionics support and proposes new displays and computers. GE Aerospace is contributing military avionics experience from programmes including the KC-46 and C-130. The KC-135 continues to support U.S. and allied operations as a tanker.