Smaller C-17 - Contender for USAF Tanker?

[smokejumper]

Has Boeing developed a smaller version of the C-17 that might be proposed to the USAF in the tanker competition? It has excellent short field capabilities.

See:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/744418/c_17_in_action/

Actually, it is most impressive and great video!

[RC20]

That’s a real strange question.

A smaller C17 is an all new aircraft and the cost is astronomical to do that for what gain?
No mission requirement for it that I have ever heard.

Herc does any local (Helicopter) refueling needs just fine (and its limited to a drogues system not just because of speed, but I doubt you can boom the rear ramp, and if you did, then you loose the cargo capability)

Boeing has proposed an C17 version that has improved short field capability with the idea of in theatre deliveries of much larger cargo delivers than a Herc would.

There may be occasional need for something like that, but in the overall scheme of things, the missions from more distant airfields work well, as they have the range to get their and loiter, deliver lots of fuel and in most cases do not offload anywhere near their full capacity. \

Those fueling stations are at high altitudes and well away from any possible hostile action for obvious reasons.

[teach]

Wow, that one went right over your head there, didn't it, RC20?

[smokejumper]

Here's another r/c model of the C-17 (1:9 scale!) Really neat video.

See:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1593449/c ... 1_9_scale/

[fc82091]

sweet!