Originally Posted by
BEagle
If the VC10K is dismantled and transferred to the US for reassembly, it could perhaps fly again. But as for flying in UK airspace - zero chance.
Then there is the slight problem of F-35B/C compatibility clearance trials.
As for setting up the centreline HDU - good luck with that!
Some ex-airline A330s given a 'light' AAR modification programme in the same manner that the A310MRTT was converted would surely be a better plan?
Didn’t the MRTT programme come about because (earlier?) A330 wings were also A340 wings and already had suitably strong lumps of metal already in the wing for bolting engine pylons to, these being ideal for AAR hose pods? There could be a large pool of civil donor aircraft just waiting to be snapped up...
On the assumption that no idea is too crazy to be voiced, how about converting A340s back to something like an A330 MRTT (chop out some fuselage, drop the centre undercarriage, unbolt two engines and saw off the two outboard throttle levers in the cockpit)? There’s a bucket load of A340s falling out of favour, and they’re probably very cheap. I presume that Airbus would be unlikely to sanction such mods, preferring to sell new examples...