No decision has been made about whether to extend the May 10 deadline for industry to turn in proposals to win the Air Force’s KC-X tanker contract, Gen. Norton Schwartz, Chief of Staff, said Tuesday during an Air Force Association-sponsored Air Force Breakfast Series presentation in Arlington, Va. However, Schwartz voiced his concurrence with Pentagon spokesmen who’ve said that competition for the KC-X contract is desirable and an extension might be worthwhile. “A modest extension would serve that purpose,” he asserted. Boeing definitely intends to bid. EADS, parent of European aircraft maker Airbus, is mulling whether to submit a proposal in the wake of the pullout in early March of its planned KC-X partner, Northrop Grumman. Reuters wire service reported Tuesday that EADS will decide within the next several weeks. Schwartz said if EADS is “serious” about bidding, the Defense Department would “carefully” consider an extension.
Skunk Works Uncrewed NGAS Concept Gets New Attention
Nov. 9, 2024
An artist’s rendering of a Lockheed Martin Skunk Works concept for a potential stealthy and autonomous Next-Generation Air-refueling System (NGAS) aircraft is getting new attention after a repeat display at the recent Airlift/Tanker Association meeting.