I recently came across an interesting comparison chart between the Airbus A330-based KC-30 and the Boeing KC-767 tankers. The different capabilities of both models, predicted for several operational scenarios, are plotted against those of the (to be retired) KC-135. Two of the key aspects were size (the A330 derivative is bigger, thus capable of carrying a greater amount of payload, namely fuel and/or cargo and/or passengers) and the models on which they’re based (the 767 being an older airframe).
Boeing, which has shown some concerns on how the competition was dealt with, protested against the U.S. Air Force’s decision to opt for the Northrop Grumman/EADS offering (more info here). The conclusions on which U.S.A.F.’s final decision was based lead to several questions, one of them being: should, and could, Boeing have entered the competition with a KC-777?
Artist’s concept of a KC-767 refuelling an F-22 Raptor. Image: Boeing.
A Royal Australian Air Force A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), on which the KC-30 is based. Image: Northrop Grumman/EADS North America.
Posted by Filipe 