[Yo-Yo]

Try flying an A330F into or out of an unimproved 3,000’ runway. Try getting a Stryker vehicle into an A330F. But if all you’re moving is palletized cargo, it is a good choice, which is why it would make an excellent KC-X.

If the AN-124 isn’t full, it’s fuel per pound of delivered cargo goes way up.

The A400M is a nice compromise between the C-130 and the C-17, but cost and delivery times are uncertain.

There is no one size fits all in the cargo business.

[MHalblaub]

“Try flying an A330F into or out of an unimproved 3,000’ runway. Try getting a Stryker vehicle into an A330F.”

You can do this once. Build an A330F around 3 Stryker and slam the aircraft down on the runway.

BTW. A Stryker is just 2 inches to high to fit in A330F’s cargo door (141’’ x 101’’) . With flat tires a several Stryker may fit in if you can turn the vehicle and the floor is strong enough.

“There is no one size fits all in the cargo business.”

That's also true for refueling. Therefore I would expect USAF calling for a real smaller tanker someday (A320/B737/CSeries/Tu-204/Superjet 100/E-195X ...).