Flying Boxes

Both aircraft will have the boom operator on the flight deck for air refueling as I understand it. Could be wrong, but that is what I remember!

KC-30 offers no area where it has a clear advantage over the 767. In fact it shadow is significantly bigger than the 767, creating possible mog problems. Not sure what the exact differences between the two ac performance, but either one will be a significant increase in capability!

BrutusBuckeye

That's exactly why they are pushing the 767. Their line is closing and it makes more of a business case and provides more revenue using a line that is already tooled and doesn't have a backlog. Personally, and I hate to say it, but the idea of a tanker built by EADS/Northrup, is somewhat appealing since a good portion of the initial cost will be subsidized by the EU since EADS has vowed to be at the same price or even less per jet than the 767.

planeview

The link above has a good comparison of the two jets. I'm not surprised that they picked the more capable jet, I'm just surprised EADS won the contract. But I guess once Marine 1 went foreign it opened the door for any military aircraft to be foreign. Maybe Boeing should have pushed for the 777 tanker after all. Anyway, sign me up to fly the KC-45A!!! It should be a sweet ride!!!

Rocco

Thanks for the info magnum! What dont you like?

Tweetdrvr

Looks like another loss for US brain power. Why not have the good old USA being defended and supported by stuff completely engineered, designed and thought of from the brains of it's own citizens. At some point, the best deal for the tax payer may not be the best deal for the long term health of the industrial/defense complex that is vital to our nation's defense.

I wonder what the next administration will buy? A border defense system with sensors made in China and installed by cheap foreign labor.

I hope this jet turns out better than the JPATs deal. Nothing like having a $5mil plus airplane under G restrictions and with all kinds of manuever restrictions due to oil system problems when it is only 7 years old.

I think Airbus Industrie makes a good product. Will it last 50 years? Who knows. Is it supposed to? Probably not. But can it last that long if it has to?

MalteseX

Another blow to the American worker.

planeview

The argument is not that different than buying a honda vs a chevy. If honda produces a better car for the price should you buy the chevy just because it's American? Now I'm not saying that Airbus is Honda by any means, but in a free market economy the best product for the price should be chosen. Again I don't know if this is the case here, but it's just something to keep in mind. Also remember that EADS is heavily subsidized by the EU. If they really offered the A330 for the price of a 767 then the AF seems to have made a pretty good move. Does anybody have a link to the subsidy price being the same as the 767? Don't forget Northrop gets a big piece of this pie as well as the workers in Mobile.

III Corps

How so?

Engines CF-6 which is GE and US, assembled in Alabama, avionics Honeywell which is US, FMS is Smiths which comes from Grand Rapids,

want a list of international contractors on the 787? or the 777?

III Corps

Do you remember the initial efforts to replace the T-37? The super-wonderful T-46? http://tinyurl.com/2s2y9t

MalteseX

You guys are right. I didn't do enough research. This is really good for the American worker.