US have just trialed 77,000 lb airdrop off a single platform from C-17.
Aircrew breaks C-17 record with heaviest airdrop
but you couldn't do that off a C17 either and you'd have no chance of putting that weight on to a strip off a
UK C17...
This is my earlier point; they are going to have to expand the capabilities of C-17 if they want to get the max out of it; the question is, will they risk such a valuable platform for an extension incapability?
In the meanwhile, I think we should eagerly await the A400m, its a new frame, 0 hours and by the sounds of it, we arent going to be polishing Turds with the J like we did for years with the K.