A “go” from the QDR is pursuit of a replacement aerial tanker, although the program may not get a formal launch until 2007. The Air Force is leaning toward a combination tanker/cargo aircraft, not unlike the KC-10, which could swing between the two missions at need. Gen. Norton Schwartz, head of US Transportation Command, says the new airplane would give him maximum “versatility” in responding to a broad range of contingencies. The move, however, seems to be the death knell for the KC-767, which is not considered beefy enough in its lifting capacity to meet the Air Force’s new vision. Boeing is expected to offer a variant of its 777 airliner.
Boeing Claims Progress on T-7 and Other Challenged Programs
April 25, 2025
Boeing appears to have become to overcome the problems that led to billions in losses on fixed-price defense contracts in recent years, point the company back toward profitabily, says Boeing president and CEO Kelly Ortberg.