Cargo funding - thoughts - instead of building killing machines,

[Hawkeye-X]

how about just funding Boeing 100% to build NEW cargo machines, maybe something that'll rival the AN-124 and the AN-224?


(AN-124)


(AN-224)

Both of them are heavy-lifters, and of course, we need more of American-made cargo planes.

C-17 is the largest American-made plane right now.

[PacerLJ35]

1. C-5 is the largest US aircraft in service, and rivals the An-124

IMO the An-225 is TOO big. The C-5 is currently being upgraded to the C-5M, with new engines for better fuel efficiency (the original C-5 engines were developed in the 1960s, and they are LOUD and very thirsty).

I know what I'm about to type isn't very popular on this site, but the military still needs things to "kill stuff" with. Let's assume we draw back our nation building, abolish the pre-emptive strike option, and essentially return to a defensive posture, perhaps maybe assisting our allies like NATO, Taiwan, S. Korea, etc, and participating in UN operations. Even if we go back to a less aggressive military stance, we'd still need weapons capable of shooting down and/or bombing the enemy.

[1]

2. the problem with the antonovs is they are SO big...

it takes a very specific airport to handle them.

i don't think you could land one in say, haiti (i don't even think a c-17 could put down there, but i might be wrong.)

[PacerLJ35]

3. C-17s and even 747s were operating at MTPP (Port au Prince)

[1]

4. ok. my bad. maybe an antonov could as well. but it wasn't designed for that...

when you absolutely, positivity, have to fly the biggest shit on the planet, an antonov is your answer.

which is not the thinking behind the current us military transport aircraft. they have a whole 'nuther operational mission in mind...

[PacerLJ35]

5. US mentality is better flexibility