KC-45A Tanker Contract

[AeroSpace News]

The United States Air Force (USAF) has ordered 179 KC-45A aircraft for its tanker replacement program.

The Airbus (EADS) aircraft are powered by GE's CF6 engines, flight management systems and thrust reversers (from Middle River Aircraft Systems).

The order, including spares, systems and services, is valued at more than $5 billion (USD) list price over the
life of the program.

Source: GE

Hard to believe Boeing lost with their B-767 based offer.

[AeroSpace News]

Boeing is protesting the contract award and some members of Congress are giving the Air Force a very hard time.

Ongoing coverage in our Military News section.

This whole thing is very strange. From the earlier Boeing lease deal, the crimes, to the bid process for this program, Senator John McCain's ties, whatever they turn out to be, to lobbyists working for EADS (Airbus) and those members of his staff.

It is all very complicated and no doubt little of it is what it appears to be on the surface.

How could Boeing not know the Air Force was interested in a bigger plane?

Hmmmm.

Your thoughts?

Congress Grills Air Force on KC-45A Tanker Deal

[AeroSpace News]

Both the Northrop Grumman / EADS and US Air Force have asked for partial dismissals of Boeing's protest of the KC-45A contract award.

In short they are saying it is too late so too bad.

We've got full ongoing video news coverage:

KC-45A Tanker Contract Protest

Your thoughts?