Paul Lewis/SINGAPORE
THE US GOVERNMENT is giving the go-ahead for US companies to enter into formal discussions with Singapore over the supply of aerial-refuelling-tanker aircraft to support its fleet of Lockheed F-16s.
Manufactures have already held initial talks with Singapore, but were awaiting clearance from the US state and defence departments before giving detailed technical briefings (Flight International, 4-10 January).
The Singapore air force has a requirement for two or three tankers, equipped with air-to-air refuelling booms, to support the overseas deployment of F-16s to Australia and the USA for training and exercises.
Singapore has asked for the fuselage-mounted boom to be removable, to enable the aircraft to be used as commercial freighters when not employed by the air force.
McDonnell Douglas (MDC) has proposed converting two DC-10-30s to a tanker configuration similar to that being supplied to the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
In addition to a boom, the aircraft would have two underwing hose drum units (HDU) for probe-and-drogue refuelling and a side cargo door.
Boeing is keen to sell a version of its proposed Tanker/Transport Multi Mission aircraft, based on either the 767-200ER or stretched -300ER passenger twinjet.
The company is hoping to launch the aircraft with an order from the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (Flight International, 22-28 February).
The two US manufacturers face competition from Airbus Industrie, which is looking for a launch customer for its planned A310 tanker/transport variant. Singapore Airlines and its wholly owned subsidiary SilkAir already operate 23 A310-200/300s.
Other proposals include supplying surplus US Air Force Boeing KC-135 tankers, re-engined with more-fuel-efficient CFM56 turbofans. A decision is expected within the next 12 months.
Singapore's air-to-air refuelling capability is based on four elderly Lockheed KC-130Bs and a single KC-130H, fitted with HDUs to support its probe-equipped Northrop F-5E/Fs and MDC A-4S Skyhawks. The KC-130Bs are near the end of their lives.
Lockheed hopes to sell more C-130Hs to Singapore before switching production to the C-130J.
Source: Flight International
