PAUL LEWIS / INDIANAPOLIS
Navy reveals lack of tanker availability during Afghanistan campaign forced it to rely on allied nations
A smouldering debate between the US Air Force and Omega Air has re-ignited, with the US Navy due to submit a report by year-end on a privately contracted air-refuelling pilot scheme. The navy has inflamed the argument by revealing there were too few tankers available to support three carrier air group (CAG) operations last year during the Afghanistan air campaign.
Navy moves to outsource tanking are viewed with concern by the USAF, which takes issue with claims it is cheaper than operating one of its Boeing KC-135s itself.
Omega is 12 months into a five-year tanking-by-the-hour service deal with the USN, using a modified Boeing 707-300. It has so far flown 180 US-based support missions and off-loaded 3.9 million kg (8.5 million lb) of fuel. Omega owner Ulick McEvaddy, speaking at last week's Aerial Refueling System Advisory Group 2002 conference in Indianapolis, said this was the equal to around one-third of the fuel consumed by the USS Carl Vinson's CAG during the carrier's three-month Operation Enduring Freedom combat tour.
The USN says there were only enough hose-and-drogue equipped tankers available to support 2.5 CAGs, even though at one stage during the campaign there were three air carriers on station plus the USS Kitty Hawk, which was largely supporting rotary-wing operations.
With a limited number of available hose-and-drogue USAF tankers - some only equipped for single-point refuelling - the USN was reliant on allied nation tankers, such as UK Royal Air Force BAE VC-10s and Lockheed L1011 TriStars, and Royal Australian Air Force 707-338Cs operating out of Kyrgyzstan.
While Omega's $5,500/h operation is confined to supporting USN and US Marine Corps deployment both within and to and from the USA, it has clearance from underwriters Lloyd's to operate to within 560km (300nm) of a war zone. This could be reduced to 190km on a case-by-case basis. "We can supplement USAF units in wartime," says McEvaddy, adding he will need funds to convert more 707s or DC-10s.
Gen Paul Essex, USAF mission area director, global reach, says Omega's costs are closer to $9,000, adding that with the KC-135 and KC-10 already in service and paid for, contract tanking increases rather than reduces costs.
However, a recent air force tanker requirements study says the air force is short on tankers and crews, forcing it to prioritise missions. The US Army's Special Operation Forces are also concerned about the shortfall in available air force and marine Lockheed Martin C-130 tankers. It has probe-equipped, special-mission helicopters, and says it has also had tentative discussions with Omega.
Source: Flight International
