Clark Griswold

Concur but we have options if we are willing to / allowed to change force structure and fleet composition The -47 sounds like it will have the range needed to be less dependent on the tanker, if we think the priority fight is the Indo-Pacific then we prioritize systems for that theater and divest some of the older shorter range platforms to get more of what we need. Not immediately of course but soon. Off hand, more B-21s, unfornicate the -46 and certify for unrestricted ops, get a long range UCAV (not a CCA). The F-15EX probably mixes well into this too for its reported range (790 NM). That’s a relevant combat range with a tanking south of the PI to ingress to the Taiwan Strait.

Full frontal… https://www.twz.com/air/this-could-be-our-best-view-yet-of-chinas-j-36-very-heavy-stealth-tactical-jet

Seems like India achieved her objectives but the air to air losses over shadowed them in the news cycle https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/was-operation-sindoor-a-surprise-victory-for-india https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/india-had-clear-edge-in-military-strikes-on-pakistan-new-york-times-report/ar-AA1EMFni?ocid=msedgntp&pc=HCTS&cvid=9fe2e2165a9d484eabd9475848ee4146&ei=48

One more trainer Only two built, TF-86F

Advanced Japanese trainer https://theaviationist.com/2025/05/23/japan-t-x-jet-trainer-concept-dsei/

https://www.twz.com/air/russia-testing-shotgun-armed-yak-52-trainer-aircraft-to-down-ukrainian-drones

Only if POTUS can zip line thru the ramp from a 747 Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lockheed tanker proposal early 2000’s

Yup the beautiful L1011, just included as it was a concept / proposal when they started looking to replace the VC-137 during the Carter administration Not sure if it was in that article I posted but it was eliminated first in the draw down then the DC-10 v B-747 Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

3 engine VIP concepts https://avgeekery.com/mcdonnell-douglas-once-proposed-a-dc-10-for-air-force-one/

Caveat emptor but seems a reasonable summary and theorizing on how the IAF lost a few jets Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

His and hers Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Leave the Qatari jet as is plus security upgrades, give to First Lady for her official transportation He’ll win husband of the century and go up 15 points with soccer moms Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Probably that, 10+ hours in the air for 5000 NM. It was / is 5+30 for JFK to GEO and that’s about 2200 NM. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

737 MAX 8 concept

I hear ya Lawrence, flew the 73 several 5+ hour flights (if it was for premium I’d look back fondly on them) but looking at the future I think it possible the VIP planes in a contingency will need to get a loooong way on one tank of gas, gray T tails and tankers will be spoken for so giving the pinstripe suits a means to hop a pond in one jet with their entourage will be necessary Crew with a relief pilot and separate, private crew rest areas Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

@StoleIt Long range tanks for NGs or MAX https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2014-12-09/versatile-aux-fuel-system-will-give-737s-longer-legs -9 with tanks might be as good as it gets without a true 757 MAX Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Probably right Flew the -8 MAX, it’s a good jet, not a Bus but good, good high hot takeoff performance, landing is ok, give the right seat a HUD and tiller if Big Blue buys Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah, for the survivability and other requirements i don’t know of exactly I can see the quad being preferable, might not be required but as 747s are available here we go… Split the mission double the bill and make several CODELs happy 😉 747s for overseas and 787s for domestic / near abroad

Too beaucoup gi?

Just switch to 777 Not cheap, not easy but if king for a day it would be part of a 777 mil variant project, tanker/mobility, VVIP, new NECAP platforms.

Good 10 minute explanation on why we’re never gonna be friends with China the country Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quite possibly I wonder if they would use us and a hypothetical F-35 acquisition to get the Russians to give even more on their 35/57/75s

JF-17 shot down no ejection Sounds like Indian GBAD Update: 2 Thunders shot down by S-400 Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Related to the India vs Pakistan conflict https://www.twz.com/air/trump-offers-f-35-to-india IDK, seems like a lot of risk to sell to them, they are not an enemy but not exactly a friend, no slight against India but they keep themselves nonaligned for reasons so there are reasons to keep them at arms length