The Tankerov?

Now that Northrop/EADS has dropped out of the competition to replace the doddering KC-135, word comes that Russia's United Aircraft of Moscow (a consortium of  Sukhoi, Tupolev, Ilyushin, MiG) plans on submitting a bid based on the Ilyushin Il-96.  Maybe it's just me, but this sounds like a Very Bad Idea.  Not that there's any secret technology in the basic airframe and refueling systems, but it's the other systems that will be installed that are the concern.

Even if the Ruskies convert the aircraft to a two-engine configuration to better compete with the 767 and the A-330, it's still a too risky proposition to even entertain a bid from them.  My advice, "Just Say Nyet!"

This just in, EADS has asked for an extension of the bid deadline so they can go it alone, without Northrop.  My advice, don't extend it, the replacement for that 707-based airplane is too far overdue to wait any longer.  Of course, one of it's main duties is refueling the B-52, an even older airframe...