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originally posted by: boomer135
originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: Matt1951
So is the C-130 though. The HC/MC/KC-130 all serve as tankers for both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.
And so is the new kc-46, the kc-10, and to some extent the kc-135. They always think about multiple roles for these aircraft when building them.
"With a basic fuel capacity of 50.8 tons, which can be increased by the use of extra cargo hold tanks, the A400M is the most capable tactical tanker in the market.
The standard A400M aircraft has full provisions for Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR) operations already installed as standard and only requires the rapid installation of the optional air-to-air refueling kit to become a tanker.
Designed from the outset to be a dual-role transport and tanker aircraft, the A400M provides air forces with a cost-effective way to acquire an air-to-air refueling capability in addition to a versatile logistic and tactical airlifter."
originally posted by: Matt1951
Some of the C130s are configured as tankers
whereas all of the A400Ms can be used as tankers
originally posted by: Matt1951
The British are canning the C-130, but keeping the C-17 and the A400M.
The C-17 is going out of production. Boeing closes the line in 2015. At the future, some variant of the A400M might look good.
originally posted by: Matt1951
I was thinking two turbofans. With variable pitch fan blades, there is no advantage to the turboprop?