September 20, 2021
LMXT: A New for the U.S. Military to Fight At Longer Ranges
This effort seeks to enable a multi-domain force wherein major combat platforms, drones, ground weapons, and virtually all combat systems no longer operate within narrowly defined concepts of operation but rather function as “network nodes” connecting the entire force in real-time.
by Kris Osborn
The Air Force is strengthening and expanding its tankers fleet with its new KC-Y effort in a clear effort to expand combat reach and functionality for fighter jets, bombers, and other vital assets in need of flying long missions.
This need is quite pressing and self-evident, given the increasing range of enemy weapons and sensors. The Air Force also seems to have an interest in expanding the combat functionality and mission scope of its tanker fleet by architecting platforms with sensors, command and control systems, high-speed computing, and electronics sufficient to offer a major contribution to multi-domain “networking.” No longer will tankers merely operate with the somewhat narrow mission scope of refueling. While refueling remains a crucial and primary function, a fixed-wing aircraft developed for the KC-Y program is also intended to greatly support the Pentagon’s well-known high-priority Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) program.
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/lmxt-new-us-military-fight-longer-ranges-194089
