C-17 Tanker?

**Stitch** · 16 Feb 11,, 01:43

Recently, Obama mentioned cutting "unwanted programs" out of the fiscal 2011 budget, such as the "C-17 tanker"; I've never even heard of a proposal to make a tanker out of the C-17, I thought there was enough controversy within the KC-X program as it was. Has anyone else heard of this program? Or is Obama speaking out of his a$$ again? I thought I kept up with current & proposed military projects, but I've never even heard of this one.

**ArtyEngineer** · 16 Feb 11,, 02:05

Im pretty sure he mispoke and meant C17 "Transport". My understanding is that once current orders are fulfilled there will be no more procurement orders from the US.

**Jimmy** · 16 Feb 11,, 02:41

That's been the case several, but Congress keeps paying for more than the AF wanted for a variety of reasons. In the long run I think it'll end up being a good thing, with how many hours these jets are racking up.

**Skywatcher** · 16 Feb 11,, 06:55

Assuming the Air Force has either the personnel to man them, or adequate storage facilities.

**Stitch** · 16 Feb 11,, 17:23

Originally Posted by ArtyEngineer

Im pretty sure he mispoke and meant C17 "Transport". My understanding is that once current orders are fulfilled there will be no more procurement orders from the US.

That's been my understanding, too; in fact, they've already started reducing the production workforce out here in CA: Boeing Cutting 900 Jobs In Calif As Orders Drop : NPR The only thing keeping the production line open at this point are the pending orders from India and Kuwait; it is hoped more international orders will be forthcoming, but I wouldn't count on it.

**Jimmy** · 17 Feb 11,, 01:07

Originally Posted by Skywatcher

Assuming the Air Force has either the personnel to man them, or adequate storage facilities.

Oh we've got the rampspace, we have thousands fewer aircraft than in decades past. Even with all the base closures. Aircrew manpower isn't a problem either. They're going to fly regardless of which tail # it is. This just spreads the flight hours amongst more tails. If the AF plays its cards right when it comes time to retire a few of these birds, we'll end up in better shape having had them.