[Solitar]

The A330 is smaller than the 777 in length, and wingspan and about two-thirds of the empty weight, two-thirds of the fuel, and two-thirds of the payload.

The Air Force cheaped out compared to what really is needed. But maybe they are saving for Boeing the really big tanker -- based on the 747.

[Yo-Yo]

The A330 is smaller than the 777 in length, and wingspan and about two-thirds of the empty weight, two-thirds of the fuel, and two-thirds of the payload.

The Air Force cheaped out compared to what really is needed. But maybe they are saving for Boeing the really big tanker -- based on the 747.

There will be a round two in a few years: The KC-Y. This will be to replace the KC-10. By that time, the 777 will be near the end of it's commercial production life, much as the 767 is now, and perhaps either it or the 747-8 will be offered as the large tanker replacement. The only alternative by EADS will be the A350, and judging by the number of orders, Airbus won't want to crank out too many "KC-350s" in that time frame, when they're cranking out all they can to meet commercial orders.

Also, don't completely count out a "KC-380" that would also double as a large freighter.