Clockwork Mouse thnx. I agree doing such a project as a single state would be very unrealistic these days. It would have to be a European program like A400M, replacing P3C, Nimrods, Atlantiques etc. Probably it would be logical to locate those assets in 3 strategic NAS, for the north Atlantic, more south and south of Europe.
I filled in the sketch a bit:
- A400M style In-Flight Refuelling Boom
- Counter rotating props for lower speed / height regions fuel efficiency
- The fuselage is about as wide as a 4 abreast aircraft but has a bigger cross section because of the bay and antenna spaces.
- The tail engine inlet could be streamlined after take-offf by a retractable fairing..
Thinking about it, probably a single centreline hose and drogue would be sufficient and save a lot of weight / drag. Don't know if / how it could fit though..