Petition the Air Force Tanker Contract

[Steveair]

Maybe, just maybe, you should read the report on that accident as opposed to just conjecturing while looking at pictures. When you have done so, and understand what happened, then let's talk.

Screwed up the FCP. I know. Everyone knows. Everyone's been force fed that story. Bottom line, if an airplane is told to do something, I want it to do something. Don't you??

 

[Steveair]

Bottom line -- if the AF gets the best plane, Steve-O needs to let it go.

And I will. The best plane is a Boeing. Until then, I'll keep running MY post with updates on the SUBJECT of the post.

 

[Bavarian Chef]

And I will. The best plane is a Boeing.

Said by the guy that has flown neither airplane in question, nor a Boeing for that matter.

 

[ableone]

Screwed up the FCP. I know. Everyone knows. Everyone's been force fed that story. Bottom line, if an airplane is told to do something, I want it to do something. Don't you??

Apparently you don't know.

The 777 is a FBW airplane and it has had more flight control problems than the 330/340. (Uncommanded pitch ups due to unforeseen software problems in the IRS units. One failure came close to losing the airplane.)

The Airbus will actually do more for the pilot than the Boeing can. When an Airbus pilot approaches the aerodynamic limits of the airplane he/she commands flight path directly and the computer commands the controls and attitude to achieve the flightpath. Because of envelope protection the pilot can command a flight path right at the limit of the airplane's performance envelope.

The Boeing does not have this feature and is therefore more limited in maneuverability and performance.

Maybe you missed it but this type of flight control architecture can be found on these airplanes; F-15, F-16, F-18, F-22, JSF.

The A-330 is a more modern capable airframe.

The Boeing Frankentanker (767-200 fuselage, 400 cockpit, 300 wing, 400 tail, 300 landing gear, etc.) was not. Boeing was five years late on the Japanese 767 tanker and it was at least an airframe that Boeing had built before. The Frankentanker scared the Air Force.

After looking at the 787 Delay-liner they were right to be afraid, very afraid.

Don't let the facts get in your way.

 

[Steveair]

Welcome to this week’s "Tanker News" update.
This past week I sent a second letter to Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne requesting an explanation on why foreign corporations, such as EADS, are exempt from the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act when bidding for United States Air Force contracts, while domestic suppliers are not exempt. I believe every defense supplier should be held to the same standard. I look forward to the Secretary’s prompt reply.
You can read the letter in its entirety, by clicking here.
In addition, I also sent out three letters to my Congressional colleagues to keep them informed on the latest tanker actions. You can read what I sent to my colleagues by clicking on my "Tanker Blog" entries below.
Illegal Subsidies Cost American Defense Jobs Today and in the Future
Air Force Adds Billions to Boeing’s KC-X Bid
Air Force Concerns About EADS Tanker Boom NOT Included in the Final Assessment
TANKER BLOG:
For all the latest in tanker contract actions, don’t forget to check out my "Tanker Blog", updated daily with videos, media interviews, floor speeches, letters to the President, and my Congressional colleagues that express my outrage over this contract.
In addition, if you would like to call the White House to voice your opinion about the Air Force tanker decision the number is 202-456-1111.

Here are some more facts for you ableone. Ask any pilot out there which aircraft series has better performance and the answer is Boeing hands down. Ask any pilots what aircraft are built better and last longer. Boeing, hands down. Ask any pilot/mechanic which airplane has better mechanical reliability. Boeing again. There's no reason that Airbus is better.

 

[Steveair]

By the way, France is having a big sale coming up this weekend. It's a really good deal on some guns; they've never been fired but they were once dropped.

 

[bagasticks]

deleted. . your ignorance on this issue is not worth arguing. .

 

[erj-145mech]

Here are some more facts for you ableone. Ask any pilot out there which aircraft series has better performance and the answer is Boeing hands down. Ask any pilots what aircraft are built better and last longer. Boeing, hands down. Ask any pilot/mechanic which airplane has better mechanical reliability. Boeing again. There's no reason that Airbus is better.

Where are the facts? What you have here is an unsubstantiated random opinion.
ANY pilot, ANY mechanic?

Once again, you have posted nothing but gibberish. Time to throw you into the ignored poster list. You are the weakest link! Good bye.

 

[Bavarian Chef]

Where are the facts? What you have here is an unsubstantiated random opinion.
ANY pilot, ANY mechanic?

Once again, you have posted nothing but gibberish. Time to throw you into the ignored poster list. You are the weakest link! Good bye.

I heard that the Air Force has decided to go with neither Airbus or Boeing and instead placed an order for 4,785 CRJ mini tankers based on Steve-O's ride of choice, the Bomb-e-arde-yay. Will that tell those leviathans currently propping up the current military industrial complex to not mess around with the American knowitall?

Oui, I tell you. Oui.

 

[LJDRVR]

Steve,

After a very embarrassing scandal involving the 767 lease debacle, which cost several senior USAF Officers their career and some folks their freedom, do you believe:

Maybe, just maybe, the AF procurement machine took a little extra care to make sure their I's were dotted and their T's were crossed? Especially since they knew their selection of a foreign designed AC would come under intense media scrutiny and Congressional oversight?

Speaking as an individual who has prior first-hand experience with the USAF procurement and supply system, my bet is they did this one right.

So, here you are, somebody with no military, Boeing or Airbus experience loudly thumping his chest and telling everyone what a horrible airplane the NG product is and how teams of highly trained intelligent professionals got it all wrong, but since you read a few blogs you know what should've happened. You're spouting off gobs of nonsense about the EADS flight control system philosophy that anybody who has even jumpseated in an Airbus can instantly recognize as complete and utter drivel.

You claim the Boeing is a better tanker?

Dozens of Test Pilots, Boom Operators, Engineers, Mechanics, Procurement Lawyers and Mission Planners, whose salary you pay thought otherwise.

Gee, I wonder who's right?

You are entitled to your opinion of course, but here's some friendly advice from an anonymous stranger:

Back your assertions up with research and facts - and dear God, know your audience. You're making a complete and utter ass out of yourself, bro.

Just saying...

PS - Your anti-French comments? Weak.