New Contender for U.S. Air Force Aerial Refueling Tanker

In response to the U.S. Air Force’s KC-Y Program to find a new refueling aircraft, Lockheed Martin’s LMXT offers a proven airframe with distinct U.S. Air Force-only capabilities designed to meet operator requirements By DA Staff / 04 Oct 2021

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Lockheed-Martin-LMXT-plane
Follow DA

Lockheed Martin has introduced the LMXT as America’s next strategic tanker in response to the U.S. Air Force’s KC-Y Program in search of an aerial refueling aircraft.

The LMXT aims to complement the U.S. Air Force’s tanker capabilities as an in-flight refueling tanker for immediate and long-term mission requirements. The LMXT strengthens and expands the U.S. aerospace industrial base by working with existing and new American suppliers. It also cultivates and sustains high-tech, high-skill manufacturing jobs.

“Lockheed Martin has a long and successful track record of producing aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, and we understand the critical role tankers play in ensuring America’s total mission success,” said Greg Ulmer, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. 

“The LMXT combines proven performance and operator-specific capabilities to meet the Air Force’s refueling requirements in support of America’s National Defense Strategy.”

The tanker builds on the combat-proven design of the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). It offers a proven airframe with distinct U.S. Air Force-only capabilities designed to meet operator requirements. The aircraft is equipped with a fully automatic boom/air-to-air refuelling system and offers an improved range and fuel offload capacity.

It also features an operational and combat-proven advanced camera and vision system, open system architecture JADC2 systems, and a multi-domain operations node that connects the LMXT to the larger battlespace, increasing onboard situational awareness to provide resilient communications and datalink for assets across the force. 

Posted by DA Staff Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Advanced SWIR Cameras Delivered for Key Defense Programs in North America

SCD USA’s MIRA SWIR camera is being integrated into key North American defense programs, offering advanced imaging, high frame rates, and compact, low-power performance

May 30, 2025
Key Differences Between OEMs & Rebranding Vendors for Military Electronics

MilDef outlines why distinguishing between genuine OEMs and rebranding vendors is critical when sourcing rugged military electronics

May 30, 2025
Most Read Articles on DA in May 2025

In May 2025, a number of significant developments were published on Defense Advancement, including the latest news in Group 2 UAS, head-mounted systems, and USVs

May 30, 2025
Adtran Integrates White Rabbit for Sub-Nanosecond Timing Across Oscilloquartz Platforms

Adtran has enhanced its Oscilloquartz timing solutions with software-based White Rabbit technology, enabling sub-nanosecond synchronization for critical applications without hardware upgrades

May 29, 2025
Dantherm’s Climate Control Systems for Deployed Forces

Explore how Dantherm ensures safety and comfort in field camps with rugged, energy-efficient climate solutions built for extreme weather and rapid deployment

May 29, 2025
New Expeditionary USV for Covert Maritime Surveillance & Special Forces Missions

FLANQ’s new Q-RECON USV delivers agile, man-portable maritime surveillance and interdiction capabilities, purpose-built for special forces and operations in littoral environments

May 29, 2025

Featured Content

U.S. Army Aircraft to Receive Connectivity Upgrade with Honeywell SATCOM

Honeywell’s JetWave X SATCOM system is set to upgrade the U.S. Army’s ARES aircraft, enhancing global connectivity and mission-critical communications for ISR and electronic warfare

May 28, 2025
New Hybrid Solution for Long-Term GNSS-Denied Navigation

Advanced Navigation has demonstrated a major breakthrough with a Hybrid Navigation System designed for GPS-denied environments, combining a strategic-grade FOG INS with a laser velocity sensor

May 21, 2025
Trillium Gimbal Enhances Imaging for Launched Effects & Loitering Munitions

Trillium Engineering introduces the HD25-LV-C, a lightweight imaging system optimized for cost-constrained, expendable platforms like Launched Effects and loitering munitions

May 21, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.