The Air Force is exploring the potential for using commercial aircraft for military operations.
Just what the aircraft would be used for isn’t explained in the Air Force market research request for information. But it does specify the aircraft should be capable of accommodating a two-man crew and five workstations, which suggests a communications, ISR or command function. It should also be capable of loitering for 3.5 hours at an altitude of 41,000 feet.
Should the Air Force proceed, a single aircraft would be acquired in fiscal year 2018, followed by nine more aircraft in fiscal year 2020, with deliveries beginning in 2019.
