A KC-135 tanker was spotted at RAF Mildenhall with a new satellite communications antenna. The antenna is believed to be part of the Air Force's efforts to improve connectivity for its tanker fleet. Limited connectivity has been cited as a possible factor in a collision between two KC-135s over Iraq in March.
The new antenna has a trapezoidal shape and is mounted behind an existing platter-shaped antenna. Its size and shape are consistent with 'hump' style antennas used for high-bandwidth satellite communications.
The Air Force has several communications upgrade efforts underway, including the Hybrid SATCOM capability and MAF Connectivity. The new antenna could be part of one of these efforts, or a separate project. The Air Force has been working to integrate new communications and networking capabilities onto the KC-135, with a focus on improving connectivity and survivability.
