Examination of commercial aerial refueling as part of the National Defense Strategy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze current military and commercial air-to-air refueling capabilities. With that, technical and training requirements, liabilities, procurement of parts, as well as obsolescence of those parts, and overall sustainment impediments for commercial air-to-air refueling companies wanting to or performing air-to-air refueling for all branches of U.S. military service were considered. Commercial air-to-air refueling plays an important role for the United States Navy and the United States Air Force is currently trying to determine if they also need these commercial capabilities. By taking an in-depth look at air-to-air refueling, we will determine how the U.S. government will meet the intent of the National Defense Strategy.