I'm not sure why we're still debating the selection.
The USAF RFP should have read, "We're replacing the venerable old KC-135Es. Offer us a bigger and better tanker." Since larger aircraft always offer more airlift, then the KC-45 wins hands down. End of debate.
Or is it really that simple?
I recall that NG/EADS almost quit the KC-X competitiion because the original RFP was not to their liking. Who threatens to walk out on a possible $40 billion dollar contract? Then the RFP was changed, and now they're the winner. Yep, a bigger tanker is always a better tanker.
