SNC has delivered four US Air Force (USAF) KC-46 aircraft equipped with its Mobility Air Forces (MAF) Connectivity solution. SNC delivered the tankers in rapid succession the company claims, achieving a key milestone in its contract, awarded on 27 March, to upgrade communications and networking capabilities for 35 KC-46 aircraft.
“Our rapid integration and delivery of these upgrades demonstrates how effectively SNC can enhance fleet connectivity while keeping aircraft downtime to an absolute minimum,” SNC, senior vice president of programs, Jim Ickes, stated.
“Completing four KC-46 modifications in such a short period underscores our ability to field essential capabilities at speed and ensure the fleet remains ready for the demands of today’s operational environment.”
Commencement of delivery on this contract culminates years of dedicated system development by SNC and its partners. Beginning in 2023 with the Airlift/Tanker Open Mission System (ATOMS), SNC developed and delivered the Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) in just six months, according to the company, when it was first demonstrated during the US Air Force’s Mobility Guardian 23 exercise.
This activity laid the foundation for SNC’s solution to AMC’s MAF Nexus requirement.
SNC’s capability has a live app store, helpdesk and DevSecOps pipeline. Designed for seamless integration by US and allied forces, the system delivers a modular, open architecture that supports advanced routing and edge‑level processing to move mission-critical information where it’s needed, when it’s needed, to and from multiple networks and other assets in the area of operations.
Further KC-46 integration is underway as the US Air Force continues fleet modernisation to confront evolving challenges and strengthen global mobility and survivability.