The book presents history, methods, airplanes and operators in the area of Aerial Refueling, it shows an historical analysis from the first attempts in the aeronautical circuses, up to the affirmation as a military necessity after World War II and the subsequent expansion in many air forces Contents: - Development from the first attempts of 1929 to the first flight around the world without a stop - Detailed presentation of the various methods attempted in history, with drawings and photographs, - Description of types of aircraft in service performing in-flight refueling - Presentation of Air Forces, Units, their history, the strategic reasons that have developed the need for a fleet of tankers for the current 34 air forces, the future ones, as well as commercial operators - Presentation of of some unusual aircraft refueling attempts and vision on in-flight refueling systems in the - Fully illustrated with over 700 color images and drawings - 200 pages

Range Unlimited covers the developmental history of aerial refueling, including the United States and other countries, as well as modern advancements and technologies. Also covered are the current aerial refueling model types and configurations used in the world today, as well as a look at what refueling techniques may be applied in the 21st century and beyond.

Aerial refueling capabilities are an essential enabler of U.S. power projection and other critic at national missions. OPERATIONS ENDURING and IRAQI FREEDOM (OEF and OIF) could not have happened without these aerial refueling capabilities. Aerial refueling makes possible rapid deployment of forces to contingencies and the elective employment of those forces in the contingencies. In OIF there were over 8500 aerial refueling sorties flown and about 450 million pounds of fuel off loaded. In addition, aerial refueling remains a critical element in supporting the bomber leg of U.S. nuclear forces and other special national security missions. The task force was charged to evaluate current aerial refueling capability and to identify and evaluate alternative means of meeting future aerial refueling requirements.

Assesses the future of the air refueling tanker force in light of Operation Desert Storm and the significant change in the international security environment. Desert Storm had underscored the relevance of a 1990 initiative intended both to (1) enhance the efficiency of the tanker force during conventional combat and (2) standardize the refueling systems of U.S. fighter aircraft. This report focuses on additional actions that the Desert Storm experience suggest could further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of aerial refueling operations. Tables.

The Boeing Co. protested the award of a contract to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. by the Dept. of the Air Force for KC-X aerial refueling tankers. Boeing challenged the Air Force¿s technical and cost evaluations, conduct of discussions, and source selection decision. Because Boeing competed for the contract, it is an interested party for purposes of filing a protest. Under the Competition in Contracting Act of 1984, the government is required to consider protests of contract awards filed by interested parties. In deciding protests, the Congress makes a determination of whether the agency¿s actions complied with procurement status and regulations. Includes recommendations. Charts and tables.