Practically, however, the AN-124 is a C-5 class aircraft, much too large for the KC-X. This mythical "AN-112" would be closer to the size required. AN-124:
Posted on 07/02/2010 6:14:05 AM PDT by Yo-Yo
A new US company has entered the race for the US Air Force KC-X contract with a bid based on Ukrainian-built Antonov series airlifters.
A 1 July regulatory filing by the publicly-traded US Aerospace Inc. confirms the firm intends to bid in response to the USAF request for proposals for KC-X.
The filing document says US Aerospace will submit three models of Antonov aircraft - An-124-KC, An-122-KC and An-112-KC - before the KC-X bidding deadline on 9 July. The aircraft will be assembled in the US, but built in the Ukraine.
"We believe that we will be able to offer a superior aircraft at a significantly lower price than other potential bidders," the company says in the 8-K filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
The US Aerospace/Antonov adds a dramatic new twist in the already heated competition between the Boeing KC-767 NewGen Tanker and EADS North America KC-45.
Antonov An-124 transports have been leased heavily by the USAF over the past decade to relieve demand on the strategic airlift fleet.
Little is known about the other two Antonov models listed by US Aerospace in the 8-K form. The An-122 is reportedly a two-engine version of the An-124. Meanwhile, an online Wikipedia entry on the An-12 turboprop cites a book reference to a concept for the An-112, which is described as a jet-powered, swept-wing variant of the Soviet Union's 1950s-era response to the Lockheed C-130.
The KC-X bid by US Aerospace is part of a broader strategic cooperation agreement signed with Antonov, according to the 8-K filing.
The agreement also includes bidding for other projects with Antonov aircraft to the Department of Defense, USAF and "licensed US defense contractors". The pact also covers the "sale of Antonov aircraft, products and services in the United States", the 8-K form says.
Antonov is responsible for design, construction and manufacture of aircraft under the agreement.
"We will be responsible for coordinating the bidding process, negotiating and contracting with customers, and coordinating with defense subcontractors for specialized systems," the filing document says.
Practically, however, the AN-124 is a C-5 class aircraft, much too large for the KC-X. This mythical "AN-112" would be closer to the size required. AN-124:
Boeing’s lobbyists are defecating sharp, pointy bricks.
It would be better than giving it to the Eurotards and AirBust!
Ugly bird.
Yes, but like most aircraft built by our Soviet/Russian friends, it is rugged and pretty reliable. The military uses contract An-124’s all the time...good airframe.
Regards,
The USAF would have to have rocks in their collective leaderships heads if they were to buy an aircraft built in the Ukraine.
Ukraine is free as of now but she’s still in the Russian sphere of influence and we have NO Idea how long she will remain that way with Vlad Putin pushing Russian expansionism.
Where would replacement parts be coming from?
Yeah. The Government of Poland depends on them.
- If it looks ugly, probably British
- If it looks ugly and slow, probably Russian
- If it's on the ground parked, probably French
An-2?
Regards,
I'm not suggesting the gov’t actually buy the Antonov as a tanker...another poster already referred to the political and potential repair part issue. Of course, that assessment can be made of the Airbus as well.
Regards,
You are correct on the manufacturer...
About 12 years ago, an industry pal used the big Anotov to fly in a massive piece of equipment for a fertilizer plant in Venezuela. It would have added years to the project to try assembling the unit in VZ. The Anotov delivered the system fully assembled.
I’m am constantly amazed at the stuff we are able to jam into on of those (and the An-224...). The Russian/Ukrainian load masters are a marvel.
regards,
I rather admire Antonov aircraft. To make it more palatable, maybe they should stipulate that Antonov sub-contract X% of the components from US manufacturers.
“I’m am” = “I’m”...
more coffee...
The big Antonovs are also popular in the oil and gas industry, with their ability to ship large and bulky process equipment with little if any disassembly. Add to that the ability to operate from less than ideal airfields (something to consider when shipping a pipeline compressor skid). They have been regulars at the air freight section of Houston Intercontinental.
Damn Good One!!!!!
At the time, VZ gas was $.50 MM. The plant turned this into the nicest prills you’ve ever seen and made a fortune selling this into the US.
“Boeing’s lobbyists are defecating sharp, pointy bricks.”
Actually, they are laughing at the whole idea. When they finally catch their breath maybe we can ask them.
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