Posted on 04/04/2007 2:54:34 PM PDT by Yo-Yo
Are you the guy kissing travolta in the picture?
If you want to be really specific: the KC-135 is derived from the original Boeing jet transport “proof of concept” demonstrator, the Boeing 367-80 (commonly called the “Dash-80”). As such, it has a narrower fuselage and is shorter than the Boeing 707 jetliner.
For purposes of your argument the specific configuration differences regarding wing/ground clearances are not significant enough to preclude the use of high-bypass turbofans. Besides engines are so much more efficient a modern engine of almost the same diameter could develop quite a bit more thrust. So it’s not so much whether it could be done — more whether it would make economic sense, given the costs of recertification, etc.
Strut compression is one of many considerations. Thrust of the high-bypass turbofans used in the KC-135 is so much greater, the certification weights go up with no added control surface area or wing area, and the 2-engine and 3-engine min control speeds go up.
I know that the KC-135/R and /Q have reduced pod clearances, but their gross weights are much higher too; they could have used even smaller engines had there been no operational requirement to improve the aircraft range and payload.
Unless Qantas flies into Miami or Orlando, that may be true; however, I believe Qantas does fly into LAX - Travolta's main home.
I think he and Qantas have this odd connection, because he wanted to buy a larger jet and they happened to have one for sale. I think it's as simple as that.
Since Travolta is recognized world-wide, Qantas may have seen the advantage in using his image to garner more sales in the US - to compete with United, Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, and American, etc - on direct flights from LAX to Sydney.
Captain Oveur: Joey, do you like movies about gladiators?
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