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originally posted by: BASSPLYR
a reply to: Zaphod58
Wouldn't the x48 be Boomers territory? Gotta think the rumors are true because it would fill a need that's needed for the new fleet. Can't let a sore thumb stick out and ruin the party.
originally posted by: BASSPLYR
a reply to: boomer135
guess they'll just have to work on improving the burn rate and "MPG" the birds have until then.... .... .... But it is something that's going to have to be invented eventually. I think there's still a need for it. Even if only semi stealthy. Just stealthy enough so that it's harder to pinpoint if you were a ground crew with portable SAMs. That way the tankers can be deployed just a little bit more forward and increase the efficiency of the air fleet overall. even small differences add up in big ways sometimes.
A totally stealth tanker would be magnificent. Have it hang out say near a totally stealth awac and other assorted EW craft and their raptors. Pretty safe there and forward deployed so that everyone in need can get it quicker and sooner. And probably safer.
Can we just build one even if there is no need for it so at least we have an all matching fleet of next generation stealth?
originally posted by: Domo1
a reply to: boomer135
Since we know the Blackbird is getting replaced there has to at least be something in the works right? I thought the SR-71 already had to drop down to just about it's lowest speed while the tanker was in it's upper limits. Is that accurate? Or is it possible that won't be a concern?
It still seems like a stealthy tanker would make a ton of sense. I think Zaphod was saying that they had problems with the RCS on the boom, but it was workable, just difficult. Even if they couldn't get that lower, it still seems like it would make a lot of sense to only be vulnerable while refueling.