Clark Griswold

Just adding for more material to discuss on smaller tankers / transports Bae 146 tanker https://www.flightglobal.com/uk-says-no-thanks-to-bae-146-tanker/111331.article Not selected but was interesting IMHO, the Bae 146 STA, side loading transport aircraft. https://www.key.aero/article/why-bae-146-side-loading-tactical-airlifter-failed

I get it and I don’t know what an E-190 or 175 tanker would actually be able to offload at 690 NM from launch, just a guess it would be better than that Another point, just because a tactical tanker regardless of what platform it is or would be derived from might look like a small version of an existing big wing doesn’t mean it should be planned for just as a small version of it That is it might be better optimized for UCAS AR, adhoc small AR as the ATO is executed and fallout ARs happen, post launch / pre recovery immediate top offs after said fighters get to ingress altitude, etc… Yeah that’s just some conjecture but I think we got to start to imagine different conops Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I’m just suggesting unless you are willing to seriously reprogram money in the budget, looking for an affordable option for this gap filler platform needs to be considered. KC-390 comes in around $150+ million, serous money, but a lot of capability. A $50 mil jet with a $15 mil military modification (WAG but 30% seems reasonable) is a lot cheaper The E-190 E2 is not a slouch in short field ops, not eye watering but not bad, probably could be tweaked. https://www.flyingmag.com/embraer-e190-e2-jet-shows-short-field-prowess/

Probably but the ACE capability of the 390 vs the MOB centric employment of the 46 is worth the investigation methinks I hate corporate buzzwords and phrases but “family of systems” is probably the only way to look at this mission set / capability delivery Big Wing to cross the main body of water Manned Tactical to operate to the FARPs and just inside the A2AD bubble Unmanned to go with the 35, 47, 21 to the drop off point Going back specifically to the Tactical Tanker, if it’s to be acquired IMHO it’s gotta be a jack of all trades good enough at all platform Tanker + light transport, medevac, launch/sensor/network platform Cost to acquire, operate then need to reflect that need for a lot of pretty good execution but not perfect The KC-390 would be the pricey option in that case and the regional airliner / biz jets would be the less expensive options Less expensive probably leads to more tails acquired and that probably plugs the gaps in Indo-Pacom and enduring requirements in other areas Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

TWZ also had this on the KC-390 https://www.twz.com/air/despite-setbacks-embraer-still-pitching-kc-390-as-air-force-ace-tanker-of-choice Embraer wants business, we should be talking to them, let’s make a deal

The problem with that is that we’re even more dependent on Boeing Not confident they could build a modernized-135 again Embraer is hungry and giving the big 3 primes in our defense ecosystem something to consider I think would help But as we have the finest government money can buy I think us buying an Embraer is a low probability Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Back in the news https://www.twz.com/air/business-jet-aerial-refueling-tankers-eyed-by-usaf Biz jet would be good (large cabin jet conversion) but I’d also say look at a small regional jet that has a freighter variant, E-175 E2 would probably be just bit more capable while still being affordable to buy in quantity. Add gravel kit and brake upgrades for ACE, hard points for missions other than Air-Land and defensive systems. Embraer wants to sell E-175s, they make Phenom 100s in Florida, a deal could be had methinks to get a good price, Buy American compliant and likely get a deal on a good T-1 replacement, Phenom 100s with upgrades to make them more than just ME trainers, architecture to carry Agile Pod, deploy new standoff weapons, exercise/training support & target emulation, etc…

Not just for culling the herd of powerful meddling shoe clerks and their acolytes but it is the purge of deep staters. There are good ones out there but it’s time to just flush their ranks

Reminds me of the 80s movie Gung Ho, make 15,000 cars a month or else…quality be damned Banking, enrichment training, etc…. If 1500 aeronautical ratings per FY is the one metric to go by then wing’em but give them post graduate training/enrichment training post T-6 and winging. Choir preaching but if there is waiting prior to FTU then give the Bobs a “win” while fixing the glitch I’m just a rando on BO but the training / program I’d advocate for would be affordable in the grand scheme, earlier I estimated about $230k in training costs, probably it would a bit less. Call it Mobility Pilot Training, whatever but justify by accomplishing tasks that these guys would be doing in their MQT after FTU, giving training & familiarity with NVGs, STOL, etc… If the FTUs can’t intake, build an infrastructure that can productively occupy your recent graduates while reducing subsequent training costs and risk, better prepared students perform better in WAY more expensive to fly aircraft and sims. Buy the training you need not new airplanes if the Bobs push back on acquiring new iron. Establish 3 programs, feather in grads from each of the main UPT bases as availability allows. - STOL program using a ME aircraft like a Twin Otter or Cessna Courier. Application to ACE is self evident and time/experience building. - Tail dragger course. Builds stick and rudder skills. - Sim based course for Transport category, probably should be the last course but introduction to fully automated flight deck, management of systems, experience building.

@LookieRookie Did a contractor like Ascent referenced above ever approach AETC about a long term program like the Brits have?

Very convenient to now be employed there after being on the other side of the table from them https://redstate.com/jimthompson/2025/09/18/disgracednavy-4-star-robert-burke-sentenced-to-6-years-in-prison-n2194101

Yup but effective

Been watching this YouTube channel series on a WW3 scenario This episode was pretty good with the beginning of the Taiwan operation Definitely influenced by Ukrainian Op Spider Web All too plausible Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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That did happen quietly Few more articles I found after reading your post https://www.newarab.com/analysis/will-china-help-iran-build-new-air-force https://www.eurasiantimes.com/chinas-j-10c-fighters-sitting-ducks-for-israel/?amp https://thehill.com/opinion/international/5440797-iran-china-fighter-jets/