Originally Posted by
flighthappens
the point as far as I am concerned is not so much that the RAF was never thinking they would have so many boom receivers, it’s more that they exist. The RAF doesn’t really think they are going to end up in a serious fight by themselves, yet they bought a tanker which is of no use to most of their NATO allies and coalition partners. It was an inwards looking decision that currently limits the flexibility and effectiveness of Voyager in coalition operations and will increasingly affect the usefulness for the RAF.
A bit harsh-the ac can and does refuel probe and drogue rx of various nations. The big loss as you say is in flexibility such as the option of consolidation to make better use of assets. The US obviously learnt that lesson when they made their specification for KC-X. Still it will be a while til all their non rx capable KC135s are gone!