Quote:
Originally posted by AlphaSigOU
Boeing is just starting to offer a dedicated cargo version of their Boeing 777-200 aircraft. Wouldn't be too difficult to modify it into a tanker.
DoD is gonna be up shit creek without a paddle if there is no replacement tanker for the geriatric KC-135s - you can only rebuild the sonsabitches so many times in the depot. And Lockheed just got shot down trying to market Airbus tankers under their brand name.
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The 777 is too big and expensive to replace the KC-135s. Its a good eventual replacement for the KC-10s, however.
When the Air Force settles on an airframe of this size (707, 767, 7E7,) it will use if for a wide range of applications. I believe that its best to use an advanced airframe like the 7E7 because its quieter and much more energy efficient. These are qualities that directly translate into more effective performance in a tanker, as well as other roles like electronic warfare.
The time difference between when the proposed 767 tankers would enter service and when the 7E7 will enter production is very small. I believe that its worth waiting this time difference to buy (and not lease) the better aircraft. Especially when we know that it will probably be used for 40+ years.