The Rand tanker AOA delved into various platform options, including the use of the ever-more popular unmanned aerial vehicles. The Rand take on a UAV as aerial refueler is thumbs down. “These systems would offer no cost advantages even if their peacetime attrition were at a level comparable to that of manned tankers,” states Rand. And, the AOA states that UAVs have “less operational flexibility than manned tankers.”
The "Air Force One" replacement will be two to three years late due to pandemic issues, testing, and the loss of a subcontractor on the interior, USAF officials reported at a House Armed Services Committee hearing. They were also warned that some HASC members will insist on a competition for…