Large Scale Central

The tanker contract

General Discussion
#1

Looks like the USAF is awarding a lucrative contract for a new tanker to a consortium composed of Northrop-Grumman and the European outfit that makes Airbus. Boeing missed out.

This has stirred passions, especially in Washington state, where it is being put forward as yet another example of exporting American jobs overseas.

From what I’ve been able to figure out, it seems Boeing screwed up. Their tender didn’t match the USAF specification anywhere near as accurately as the competing tender.

Is it that what happened, or is there more to it?

#2

I believe there was an assumption within Boeing that the new contract was going to Boeing and the bidding process was just a formality.

#3

I agree Ric, Boing expected to be handed this contract simply because they are Boing. Grumman and Airbus simply produced a better product and surprise! the Air Force was once again paying attention. After losing the Joint Strike fighter competition I would have thought Boing would have gotten their act together but Corporate Hubris can be a difficult dragon to slay. BTW every one of Airbus’s tankers will be built here in the US.