The Investor
15 Sep 2026, 16:39
L3Harris Pushes KC-135 Avionics Modernization as Tanker Fleet Heads Beyond 2050
L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) is highlighting its avionics modernization solution for the U.S. Air Force’s KC-135 aerial refueling fleet, which is expected to remain in service beyond 2050. The company says targeted upgrades can extend the aircraft’s operational life while maintaining global mission readiness.
L3Harris’ approach replaces aging flight-deck instrumentation with modern digital technology, aiming to reduce maintenance risk, sustainment costs and aircrew workload. The system uses a government-owned architecture and an established C-135 baseline, providing an open platform for future upgrades while limiting integration risk.
The modernization effort also addresses declining availability of parts for the decades-old aircraft. L3Harris uses commercially proven components and industry-standard interfaces, which the company says can reduce dependence on individual vendors and provide greater flexibility for future upgrades.
L3Harris has previously completed mission-system upgrades for C-135 variants operated by both the U.S. Air Force and the U.K. Royal Air Force, positioning the company to benefit from continued investment in extending the service life of existing military aircraft fleets.
L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) is highlighting its avionics modernization solution for the U.S. Air Force’s KC-135 aerial refueling fleet, which is expected to remain in service beyond 2050. The company says targeted upgrades can extend the aircraft’s operational life while maintaining global mission readiness.
L3Harris’ approach replaces aging flight-deck instrumentation with modern digital technology, aiming to reduce maintenance risk, sustainment costs and aircrew workload. The system uses a government-owned architecture and an established C-135 baseline, providing an open platform for future upgrades while limiting integration risk.
The modernization effort also addresses declining availability of parts for the decades-old aircraft. L3Harris uses commercially proven components and industry-standard interfaces, which the company says can reduce dependence on individual vendors and provide greater flexibility for future upgrades.
L3Harris has previously completed mission-system upgrades for C-135 variants operated by both the U.S. Air Force and the U.K. Royal Air Force, positioning the company to benefit from continued investment in extending the service life of existing military aircraft fleets.
