The USAF’s KC-X Aerial Tanker RFP
Related Stories: Americas - USA, Boeing, EADS, Issues - Political, Lobbying, Northrop-Grumman, Power Projection, RFPs, Rumours, Specialty Aircraft, Spotlight articles, Transport & Utility
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In January 2007, the big question was whether there would be a competition for the USA’s KC-X proposal, which will cover 175 production aircraft and 4 test platforms. The cost for this first phase alone is likely to reach $35+ billion spread over about 20 years, but the USAF believes that adding new plane types to America’s 40-50 year old aerial tanker fleet is its #1 priority. Otherwise, unpredictable age or fatigue issues, like the ones its F-15A-D fleet experienced in 2008, could ground its aerial tankers – and with them, a substantial slice of the USA’s total airpower. KC-Y and KC-Z contracts may follow in subsequent decades, in order to replace all 530 KC-135s/ Boeing 707s (195 active; ANG 251; Reserve 84) that were delivered until 1965, as well as the USAF’s 59 larger KC-10 tankers delivered from 1979-1987.
In the end, it was Team Boeing’s KC-767 Advanced (767-200 derivative) vs. the Team Northrop Grumman KC-30B (Airbus A330-200/200F derivative). Most observers correctly pointed out that all this lobbying was important, as the financial stakes involved meant there was going to be a huge political fight no matter which side won.
That has proven to be the case, and a GAO decision that the USAF did not follow its own requirements ended up crashing the entire KC-45 award to the NGC/Airbus team. A new RFP is now due out in summer 2009, with a decision expected by the end of March 2010. Recent developments revolve around responsibility for the program, Northrop Grumman’s commitment to it, and reports that Boeing’s next submission will be a KC-777…
- KC-X: The Story So Far (i.e. continue reading…)
- The Contenders and The Cargo Factor
- KC-X: Teams & Locations
- KC-X RFP: Key Developments [updated]
- Additional Readings
Stay on top of developments with the heated, ongoing competition for the $35+ billion KC-X aerial tanker contract, when you subscribe to Defense Industry Insider. Our cross-linked article network and reference materials include:
- Coverage of political interest in the procurement, including discussion of a possible split-buy, the February 2008 award to Northrop Grumman and EADS Airbus, the Boeing protest, and the June 2008 reopened bid
- Timeline of events, teambuilding and capability tests by Boeing and Northrop Grumman / EADS since 2007
- Discussion of key parameters of the January 2007 air tanker RFP including: air refueling capability, fuel offload and range, (CNS/ATM) equipment, airlift capability , ability on refuel while airborne, multiple refueling systems, survivability and protection measure, and more
- Essential articles from DII including: "Boeing on KC-X: 'Methinks We Doth Protest to You,'" "KC-X: Rating the Contenders," "US Debating Aerial Tanker Types, Mix," and "The UK's FSTA: An Aerial Tanker Program - With a Difference"
- 13 photos and graphics
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