급유기 연료 재보급뿐만 아니라 통신 중계 역할도 담당하는 KC-46A

[위종민]

https://breakingdefense.com/2022/09/delivering-data-as-well-as-fuel-the-kc-46a-is-transforming-the-role-of-the-tanker/

Delivering data as well as fuel, the KC-46A is transforming the role of the tanker - Breaking Defense

보잉 홍보기사인데, KC-46A는 공중급유/수송 임무 외에 가시선 통신, 위성통신 등을 포함한 데이터링크 및 통신 시스템을 갖추고 있고, 전술상황인식체계(Tactical Situation Awareness Suite)를 이용한 완전한 전장 사진을 다른 항공기들에게 전달할 수 있다고 합니다. 향후 ABMS 1단계 통합 계획에 따라 통신능력은 더 개량될 예정입니다.

KC-46A는 다른 자산들과 근접해 장시간 체공하기 때문에 통신중계 역할에 이상적이며, 이에 따라 다른 공중급유기들보다 방어시스템과 생존성 확보에 많은 투자를 했습니다. 

Delivering data as well as fuel, the KC-46A is transforming the role of the tanker

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Leveraging its flight-tested and airworthiness-certified Wing Air Refueling Pods (WARPs), the KC-46A will integrate ABMS capabilities to relay information among joint force fighters. Even while carrying a communications pod, the KC-46 will still be capable of boom refueling as well as hose-and-drogue refueling through the Centerline Drogue System. This combination will extend the joint force’s data fabric to deliver data as well as fuel to the fight. (Paul Weatherman photo)

In the 21st century, military assets lacking battlespace awareness and real-time information are at a significant disadvantage against peer adversaries. In addition to delivering fuel and transporting people and cargo, Boeing’s KC-46A Pegasus is transforming the strategic role of tankers by providing the data and communications connectivity the joint force needs for data-driven operations and real-time decision-making in the face of threats.

The KC-46A enables data sharing throughout the operational theater, including contested environments. Its robust data and communications connectivity, combat-ready defensive systems and countermeasures, and agile combat employment capabilities provide unmatched access to forward locations. This enables military assets access to critical real-time information, and results in military forces making faster, more effective operational decisions.

Connecting multi-domain forces

For information advantages against threats, joint forces require communication and data connectivity among their critical assets.

The KC-46A features seamless and secure datalinks and communications systems, including line-of-sight communications, beyond line-of-sight communications, SATCOM connectivity, as well as other communications modes. In addition, the KC-46A’s Tactical Situational Awareness Suite provides a complete battlespace picture to the crew—and that information can be relayed to others in the fleet through the tanker’s data and communications links.

The tanker’s communications capabilities will increase as it integrates the first concrete implementation of the Air Force’s Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), which aims to enhance connectivity and information exchange between aircraft on the tactical edge as part of the Department of Defense’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) plan.

ABMS integration on the KC-46A builds on its existing communications and information exchange capabilities and takes advantage of the Pegasus’ persistent proximity to other assets in the theater.

Thriving in a contested environment

The need to be persistent in the battlespace is why the KC-46A’s combat-ready defensive systems and countermeasures are crucial for its role as a data connectivity hub. The KC-46A can operate near the threat space and in contact with other operational assets, and the data and communications capabilities are readily available to connect the joint force.

The KC-46A’s defensive systems and countermeasures far exceed any other tanker. The Pegasus features combat-ready capabilities to ensure survivability, such as radio warning receivers, anti-missile infrared countermeasures, flight deck armor, and nuclear, biological and chemical hardening. The KC-46 is built to survive in the contested environment, while providing the force with data where and when it needs it most for effective operational decision-making.

Persistent throughout the operational theater

The KC-46A’s defensive systems capability allows it to operate in areas currently not available with existing tankers, and the closer proximity to the fight provides warfighters a distinct advantage. Today’s tanker also needs the agility to deliver fuel and data throughout the operational theater.

The KC-46A provides unmatched access to forward airfields and takes up less ramp space than larger commercial-derivative tankers, enabling more booms in the air and data when and where needed.

The KC-46A’s ability to access austere airfields and shorter runways—along with its defensive capabilities—ensure that the Pegasus can connect and support all-domain forces at the tactical edge throughout the operational theater.

Revolutionizing the tanker’s role

In addition to delivering fuel and transporting passengers, patients and cargo, the combat-ready KC-46A delivers data, connecting joint force warfighters with more complete battlespace awareness for real-time decision-making against peer threats. ABMS integration is a strong example of how the Pegasus’ connectivity capabilities continue to evolve to meet the needs of the mission.

For contemporary battle planners, the KC-46A will play a revolutionary role in connecting all-domain forces for the information advantage that it takes to succeed in 21st century air warfare.

[백선호]

핵폭격기에게 급유를 해야 해서 핵폭발 EMP 방호와 기타등등도 미국공군이 요구했고 그래서 A330 기반 급유기보다 많이 비싸지요.

[위종민]

그런 기능을 넣다 보니 생존성이 강화됐고 그래서 저런 역할을 줘도 되겠다고 생각했나 봅니다.

https://cafe.daum.net/NTDS/515G/3809

좀 더 combat-survivable한 탱커를 원한다는데 저런 자체방호장비에다가 무인호위 전투기를 붙여준다면 그게 될지도? 란 망상도 듭니다.

[엽군]

Gateway one이 담당해야할 역할이죠. : )

[위종민]

ABMS나 JADC2는 정말 좀 더 알아봐야 될 것 같습니다. 이게 핵심 키워드같아요.

[Minowski(김유철)]

KC-Y 도입은 사그러지는거 같고, ABMS도 추진하다 소식없더니 다시 추진한다고 하고...미공군도 전력개선에 부침이 너무 많은 것 같습니다.