US Launches Tanker Contest Between Boeing, Airbus Planes

Source URL: http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/us-launches-tanker-contest-between/n20060925151309990029?cid=1205
Posted at: http://www.air-attack/com/news/news_article/2101

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- The U.S. Air Force wants a new tanker plane big enough to carry gas and cargo, the service said Monday as it released a draft request for bids.

For now, the service is still leaning toward picking one company next year to design and build the new tankers. But Air Force leaders also are considering awarding a pair of design contracts if they can find money to extend the time that two teams are in the running.

Two competitors are in the running: Boeing Co. (BA) and a team of Northrop Grumman Corp. (NOC) and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. (5730.FR), parent company of Airbus.

The new draft notice sketches out the tanker contest but plans won't be final until at least December, when the Air Force plans to release its final request for bids.

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