Northrop Grumman - EADS wins USAF tanker contract - Page 2

corby78 · 07-10-2008, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcochr

washingtonpost.com

I hope they can expedite this re-bidding process. I have always personally felt that the Boeing 767 was the best airplane for the KC-45A tanker, but they need to get this done and get a new tanker aircraft built.

Maybe both airplanes (KC-45 and KC-46?) ultimately should be built as tankers for the USAF (179 to 200 or so in the first group, and then a follow on order a few years down the road of a tanker version of the other aircraft).

Well its not that far fetched, we do have two tankers as we speek. KC-135 and the KC-10. However, I cant imagine with the military being finacially strapped like they are, that they would go for that. Much cheaper for one jet. Thats one of the main reasons i'm suprised they didn't go with the 767, because they could use it to eventually upgrade other platforms for a much cheaper cost. Aka what they did with the 707. But i'm sure the decision makers know more then me.

Justino · 07-10-2008, 05:14 PM

I believe that the 767 is the new 707. It's hard to imagine an A330 being a tanker, AWACS platform, J-STARS platform, Open Skies platform, etc that all the 707s/-135s do. The 767 seems to have that flexibility. Plus they could do it in different size airframes becuase the former E-10A was on a 764. And true flying is with a yoke between your legs, not a sidestick.

champpitbull2 · 07-12-2008, 01:15 PM

We could see Boeing enter the 767 and the 777. Depending on what the USAF bid desires. That is what Boeing had said all along before the last competition but because of the requirements they went with the 767. If size is what the AF wants then the 777 would be a great tanker/ cargo plane. However, I think that would be a big mistake to try and replace the KC-135 with something so big.

Justino · 07-12-2008, 01:59 PM

I read somewhere that Boeing offered the 767 becuase the Air Force wouldnt have to modify or build new hangars and it wouldnt take up more ramp space, yet could haul alot more than the -135. I think a KC-777 would be a good replacement for the KC-10.

A Tupolev · 09-11-2008, 01:22 AM

EADS USAF Tanker contract has been scrapped by the Pentagon. All parties, EADS, Boeing, and the Pentagon are going to start the whole process from scratch agin after the election. Not so good news for EADS, but maybe good news for Boeing.

FT.com / Companies / Aerospace & defence - Fresh blow to EADS as US defers $35bn tanker refuelling contract

07-10-2008, 05:14 PM	#52
Justino The Aviator Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Skies above Orlando Age: 18 Posts: 1,279	Re: Northrop Grumman - EADS wins USAF tanker contract I believe that the 767 is the new 707. It's hard to imagine an A330 being a tanker, AWACS platform, J-STARS platform, Open Skies platform, etc that all the 707s/-135s do. The 767 seems to have that flexibility. Plus they could do it in different size airframes becuase the former E-10A was on a 764. And true flying is with a yoke between your legs, not a sidestick. __________________ Justin

07-12-2008, 01:15 PM	#53
champpitbull2 addicted Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 572	Re: Northrop Grumman - EADS wins USAF tanker contract We could see Boeing enter the 767 and the 777. Depending on what the USAF bid desires. That is what Boeing had said all along before the last competition but because of the requirements they went with the 767. If size is what the AF wants then the 777 would be a great tanker/ cargo plane. However, I think that would be a big mistake to try and replace the KC-135 with something so big.

07-12-2008, 01:59 PM	#54
Justino The Aviator Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Skies above Orlando Age: 18 Posts: 1,279	Re: Northrop Grumman - EADS wins USAF tanker contract I read somewhere that Boeing offered the 767 becuase the Air Force wouldnt have to modify or build new hangars and it wouldnt take up more ramp space, yet could haul alot more than the -135. I think a KC-777 would be a good replacement for the KC-10. __________________ Justin

09-11-2008, 01:22 AM	#55
A Tupolev Will It Blend? Join Date: May 2005 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 1,978	Re: Northrop Grumman - EADS wins USAF tanker contract EADS USAF Tanker contract has been scrapped by the Pentagon. All parties, EADS, Boeing, and the Pentagon are going to start the whole process from scratch agin after the election. Not so good news for EADS, but maybe good news for Boeing. FT.com / Companies / Aerospace & defence - Fresh blow to EADS as US defers $35bn tanker refuelling contract __________________ More Tupolev planes please, Ty-114, Ty-134, Ty-144 My collection: http://www.diecastaircraftforum.com/...tion-3750.html

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