[Thud]

Was there any reason for not considering the C-17 beyond that the Fighter Pilot Mafia wants to steal C-17 funding for the F-22?

[TalonDJ]

The C-17 would not be able to mount the normal aft boom. It is lower to the ground. Plus I think it is a lot bigger then they wanted. Not to mention having 4 engines instead of 2 which costs more the maintain. The C-17 was not even remotely considered.

[Yo-Yo]

The Russians use cargo aircraft for refuelers, but a C-17 would be a very poor choice due to it's cost of both purchase and operation.

IL-78 Tanker