Competition To Modernize USAF Tankers Could Take Years

Posted on: Nov. 26th, 2004 || Source: aviationnow.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

A competition to upgrade or replace the U.S. Air Force's aging KC-135 tankers could take as little as six months or as long as several years, depending on the option chosen, a service official said Nov. 23.

Holding a competition to replace the engines on the KC-135Es, the oldest aircraft in the KC-135 fleet, would take roughly six months, while soliciting and evaluating proposals for a new commercial derivative aircraft, such as a Boeing 767 or Airbus A330, would probably take at least 18 months, said Air Force acquisition chief Marvin Sambur.

Picking a contractor to develop a new aircraft for Air Force refueling needs could take several years, Sambur said.

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