Worldwide coverage will require aircraft that can fly 12,000 miles, deliver cargo, and return without refueling at the terminal point.
Air refueling is a logistics intensive operation, and airlifter refueling can be eliminated.
Cargo capacity for airlifters of the 21st century should be 150,000 pounds. With improvements in aircraft and delivery methods, the gross takeoff weight will be 1,000,000 pounds. The BWB concept houses a wide double-deck payload compartment that blends into the wing. Adjacent to this central section is ample room for baggage and cargo. Preliminary analyses indicate that the BWB would outperform all conventional aircraft.