Reuters news service reports that Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said last week, after Northrop Grumman officials said the company could pull out of the latest effort to select a KC-X tanker because it deemed the contest unfair, that he would “find that extraordinarily hard to believe.” He continued, saying the “extremely lucrative” nature of the KC-X program would necessarily generate a “healthy competition.” The Air Force planned to issue a final request for proposals soon, but both Boeing and Northrop have submitted numerous questions and concerns over the draft RFP.
Expanded production of the B-21 bomber can be accomplished at Northrop Grumman's existing Palmdale, Calif., facilities, the Air Force said. It also said test aircraft will be so simular to the production version that early examples could be used in combat if called for.