Air Force tanker gets nod; Boeing, Airbus to compete

Source URL: http://aimpoints.hq.af.mil/display.cfm?id=10675
Posted at: http://www.air-attack/com/news/news_article/1436

WASHINGTON -- The Pentagon said it will let the Air Force start a competition for its next-generation tanker plane, clearing the way for a showdown between Boeing Co. and European rival Airbus.

The Defense Department said chief weapons buyer Ken Krieg signed off on the plan late Thursday. Recent studies "indicate that the department has sufficient time to structure a traditional competitive program to gain the best value for the taxpayer," Mr. Krieg said in a memo.

The Air Force expects to release its information request within a few weeks. Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne received Mr. Krieg's memo and will issue instructions soon, said Air Force spokesman Doug Karas.

The Air Force wants a new tanker, used to refuel aircraft in flight, based on a widely available passenger jet. Its existing tankers, related to Boeing's long-retired 707 passenger jet, are about 45 years old but will continue flying until replacements are ready.

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