Tactical Tanker

[Clark Griswold]

3 hours ago, StoleIt said:

This seems like the dumbest idea yet. It still needs a decently long paved runway and for what offload? 15-20K? Seems like a way more complicated and expensive version of the Navy's buddy tanking for little gain.

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/

 

[Boomer6]

Let's not waste money on some tinker toy tanker that doesn't carry enough gas for a 4-ship and is built by a country that's rapidly cozying up to China. That last part alone is enough reason to not even consider it. 

How about we spend that money on protecting our tankers from a Pearl Harbor-esque attack from a semi truck full of drones.

Edited 2 hours ago by Boomer6