I hate to do this to you guys but here goes. Did we choose the right refueling plane for activity in the Pacific?
My question really revolves around one number. Max fuel offload after loitering on station. Airbus touts that their airplane will be able to offload 140,000 lbs of fuel at 1000 nmi out with a 2 hr loiter.
A quick Google search this morning didn't reveal what the Boeing product is able to do at that distance and loiter time.
I was originally a HUGE supporter of the KC-46 because I simply looked at the specifications and penalized Airbus because it exceeded program spec and inched into KC-Y territory (in my opinion). I now think that its probably sized perfectly for a force with worldwide responsibilities and looking to an all stealth force.
Looking to the future I don't think a 787 will be large enough (as it is now) to effectively compete for the KC-Y contract. Quite honestly the replacement for the KC-10's might either not be flying or will fall into the size region of the 747 or the A350/A380 short.
I didn't fully consider how (and I'm waiting for the air guys to correct me) flying without fuel tanks will change the way air wars are fought.
Sidenote: Still looking for info on the USAF plan to equip their tankers as ISR platforms. Since the contract award the concept has gone quiet...I haven't heard anything about proposed sensors or desired capabilities.
