Quote:
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Originally Posted by canoe
Related: sorta self explanitory.
http://www.sfu.ca/casr/mp-airlift-il76-2.htm
It comes down to buy an American C-17 for $250 million, or buy a IL-76MF for $40 million and just replace the avionics and engines with western equipment for an additional $15 million.
Short version of relivent stats:
*C-17*
Max payload: 77 tons
Range: 5185km (unrefuelled, with 72t payload)
Cost: $250 million (US).
*IL-76MF*
Max payload: 52 tons
Range: 5800km (40t payload)
Cost: $55 million (US) after purchase and upgrades. |
The C-17 is more useful for tactical airlift, and it's certified to drop US paratroops. Plus the whole refueling thing, etc. There are capabilities the C-17 has that the IL-76 just cant do. That doesnt mean the 76 isnt a great aircraft, it just isnt the right one for the USAF to have in mass quantities.