At the moment the MRTT KC-30 because the KC-46 still has a lot of problems with the camera system during nighttime operations or when the sun is in a certain position it shines into the camera’s.
When that is solved they would be fine, both of them.
There is a difference in size and that helps the MRTT to haul more freight and/or passengers and load more fuel to other planes.
KC-46 amount of fuel it carries 96.000 kg
KC-30a amount of fuel it carries 111.000 kg
range of KC-46 11830 km*
range of KC-30a 14800 km*
*= this is the range on own fuel without refueling others. Both have the capability to be refueled by other tankers so technically they can fly non-stop around the world)
The MRTT KC-30a(Airbus A330) is bigger then the KC-46a (Boeing 767) and although the KC-46a can be refueled its a bit silly to refuel a refueler just because you didn’t want to buy the bigger plane
Also as passenger transport, cargo or as medivacs the KC-30A has more capacity.
KC-46a
Passengers and cargo 114pax. 18 463 liter pallets or 58 patients (24 litters, 34 ambulatory) and 65.000Lb (29.500KG payload
KC-30A (A330MRTT)
Various passenger configurations possible. Max. 291 pax.
8 military pallets+ 1x LD6 container+1x LD3container
payload: 99.000Lb, 44.000kg
And the MRTT is already succesful in operational state without any problem with the camera system.
The KC-46 has 4 stations to refuel other planes (an extra drogue system positioned at the centerline and can be used when boomsystem is in up position.)
The center drogue is not mounted at the KC-30A and it has 3 stations to refuel others
Both planes can refuel 3 planes simultaniously.
