And, it has also been said before that the KC-30 is a virtual airliner, not tactical air transport.
Maybe 6 x C130 would be needed to swiftly move an infantry company group with some mobile firepower into some rudimentary airfields where C-17 cannot go. Assuming 50 percent online availability, that would require maximum Herc effort; but some might be operating elsewhere in the world. The RAAF once had 2 x 12 aircraft C-130 squadrons and the need arguably still exists.
As for C-27 Spartan, it might never be acquired due to compounding funding difficulties for Australia's other national economic imperatives. And the worldwide economic consequences of likely US economic collapse might force a total recast of Australia's defence capability planning. See these disturbing articles:
http://www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article24771.html
The stench of US default | Bill Gross, PIMCO | Commentary | Business Spectator
Last edited by Bushranger 71; 8th Apr 2011 at 01:34.