The USAF’s KC-X Aerial Tanker RFP
Related Stories: Americas - USA, Boeing, EADS, Issues - Political, Lobbying, Northrop-Grumman, Power Projection, RFPs, 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, lest unpredictable age or fatigue issues like the ones its F-15A-D fleet is experiencing ground its aerial tankers – and with them, a substantial slice of the USA’s total airpower. KC-Y and KC-Z contracts will 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.
“US Debating Aerial Tanker Types, Mix” offers in-depth coverage of the lead-up to the KC-X RFP, explaining many of the military & policy issues in play as the USA contemplates its own choices. Then came the contractor decisions, and responses. What would Boeing propose? The KC-767, the KC-777, or both? Would Northrop and EADS elect to play, bringing their Airbus KC-30/A330 MRTT?
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). Each aircraft system has its strengths, and each system also had risk factors as lobbying continued right down to the wire. Boeing claimed lower KC-767 operating costs, and received a union endorsement. EADS promised to open production of A330F civilian jets in the USA if it won. 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. Intense guerilla marketing and legislative lobbying were only the opening shots, especially now that there’s a concrete winner to fight over. The Airbus A330 MRTT was picked, but an explosive GAO decision has brought the competition to a halt. DID offers the competition’s entire history to date, as the American Secretary of Defense doesn’t just just re-open the competition – he takes it out of the USAF’s hands…
- The Contenders and The Cargo Factor (i.e. continue reading…) [updated]
- KC-X: Teams & Locations
- KC-X RFP: Key Developments [updated]
- Additional Readings
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