PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Northrup Grumman/EADS win USAF tanker bid
Old 13th Jul 2008, 04:58
  #344 (permalink)  
BEagle
 
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Except that the Japanese aircraft (over 18 months late) is just a windowless Boeing 767-200ER with a boom. The Italian aeroplane is also a 767-200ER with a boom and much of its two and a half year delay is down to the problematic wing AAR pod system which suffered buffet limitations at normal AAR speeds.

None of the 3 767 tankers now flying are anything like the KC-767A, apart from the name. The KC-X competitor offered by Boeing has yet to be built, let alone fly, whereas the A330MRTT is well ahead and has completed all aerodynamic flight testing.

The KC-767A is based on the 767-200LRF, amongst other sub variants, and has different engines and an increased maximum fuel load - substantial modifications which weren't needed for the A330MRTT.

So, whilst it is true to say that there are 3 767 tankers now flying, they are simply converted airliners. The version on offer to the USAF is years away from first flight, let alone completion of its test programme and is indeed still very much a 'paper aeroplane'. Long before the KC-767A would ever become reality, the A330MRTT will be in service with the RAAF and other nations.....
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