BC-17? What might be the market?

smokejumper · Post by **smokejumper** » 23 May 2007, 17:17

See the attached Flight International article on a commercial version of the military C-17.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/20 ... bc-17.html

744rules · Post by **744rules** » 23 May 2007, 17:47

I like the idea, but I wonder if there will enough demand for this kind of a/c.
On the other end, it looks like an alternative for the IL76 and An124.

David747 · Post by **David747** » 23 May 2007, 17:59

McDonnell Douglas was trying to develop a commercial derivative of the C-17 before, but the viability of such an aircraft doesn't seem to be there. But if Boeing does launch the BC-17, I wonder what airlines would be interested in such a plane.

cageyjames · Post by **cageyjames** » 23 May 2007, 20:37

Since the C-17 is powered by the PW2000, I'd guess many cargo airlines would have no issues using it. Of course I have no idea about the economics.

My guess would be there is ZERO need for a 4 engine cargo plane by most cargo operators.

tsv · Post by **tsv** » 30 May 2007, 14:29

By all reports by Mil personnel the plane is a dog, perpetually arrives broken.

Highly doubt that Commercial Operators would go for it.

lastrow · Post by **lastrow** » 31 May 2007, 00:35

regarding the commercial demand of such a plane: there is also the interest in starting the An-124 production again.

I do not know, what the break even in terms of sold frames is. I think only the guys at Boeing will know. But considering it's loading characteristics - providing the integrated ramp and the no-side door that only Boeing 747 and Airbus special transport planes offer - and its short runway capabilities there might be enough demand for special cargo operations.

-lr.

RC20 · Post by **RC20** » 31 May 2007, 07:02

If you want a heavy large sized package into an odd area, then the C17 is a good choice. (which is why the An-124 is doing well in that area, there simply is nothing else like it).

Need a dozen trucks at a damn site, the C17 is your bird!

Huge engines, gas turbines, broken down boilers, you name it, there is a need (how much, hmmm always the $64 question of course).

Its not going to be for the normal cargo operator (777 or 747 would cover that better). AN-124 is likely to be very maintenance intensive and unreliable as a C5 currently is.

C17 would be a good successors (or supplement) as sometimes you simply cannot beat the size of a C5/AN-124.

smokejumper · Post by **smokejumper** » 31 May 2007, 18:46

RC20 wrote:If you want a heavy large sized package into an odd area, then the C17 is a good choice. (which is why the An-124 is doing well in that area, there simply is nothing else like it).

Need a dozen trucks at a damn site, the C17 is your bird!

Huge engines, gas turbines, broken down boilers, you name it, there is a need (how much, hmmm always the $64 question of course).

Its not going to be for the normal cargo operator (777 or 747 would cover that better). AN-124 is likely to be very maintenance intensive and unreliable as a C5 currently is.

C17 would be a good successors (or supplement) as sometimes you simply cannot beat the size of a C5/AN-124.

Not to mention that the C-17 (BC-17) has a low floor and ramps so heavy, large loads can just be rolled off! Try that with your 747F.

cageyjames · Post by **cageyjames** » 31 May 2007, 20:50

OK fine, I mean even Delta was flying the L-100 for a time.

I just see this as a very specialized plane for very specialized airlines. I doubt you'd see many orders, but if it keeps the old MD plant operating, I'm for it.

DFW · Post by **DFW** » 02 Jun 2007, 06:17

I can't see an airplane designed for specific military missions being successful in commercial aviation. The airplane would be overdesigned for some things -- short takeoff and landings, survivability (military design requirement is 12 Gs forward and 5 Gs up, vs. 9 Gs forward and 3 Gs up, if I remember correctly) and underdesigned for others (maximum usable volume). Sure, there may be a market for specialty cargo, but it's a small market.

Newforest · Post by **Newforest** » 04 Jun 2007, 09:07

DFW wrote:I can't see an airplane designed for specific military missions being successful in commercial aviation.

What about the KC.135/Boeing 707, Sunderland/Sandringham/Solent,Shorts Belfast?