The Royal Saudi Air Force's (RSAF) ambition to replace its fleet of five Boeing 707 tankers is being delayed by problems servicing Saudi Arabia's Foreign Military Sales (FMS) debt to the USA.
The impending resolution of Saudi Arabia's purchase of commercial aircraft from Boeing for Saudia, its national airline, is viewed by sources close to the requirement as a positive sign that the tempo of the project may once again be increased (Flight International, 19-25 November).
Boeing and Airbus Industrie have proposed commercial widebody-tanker modification projects to the RSAF, while conversion of Saudia's Lockheed L-1011 TriStar is also currently being mooted in political circles.
Although the L-1011 is financially attractive, the air force's preference is for a new airframe.
The RSAF has yet to decide the number of tanker aircraft it will eventually procure, but this, in part, depends on the type selected.
The Boeing MD-11 is one option, as is the company's 767 tanker-conversion programme. Airbus is understood to have proposed its Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) conversion project based on the A310.
The RSAF tanker requirement within the overall Saudia purchase of commercial aircraft was also discussed. This would have seen the KMD-11 tanker aircraft bundled into the overall Saudia purchase.
Industry sources close to the procurement say: "Linkage was discussed, but it just didn't happen." A KMD-11 tanker proposal was made, but as a "separate and distinct offer".
The RSAF is also looking at a turboprop tanker capability to complement any future turbofan tanker fleet.
Procuring a limited number of Lockheed Martin KC-130H Hercules has been under consideration but, with the closure of the H-model production line, the RSAF's interest is now focused on the proposed tanker modification of the C-130J.
Source: Flight International
