Potential contractors and Congress both have 60 days to have a look at the new tanker draft request for proposals and offer comments and suggestions. After that, the Pentagon will release a final RFP, and contractors will have 60 days to respond. Then the Air Force gets a maximum of 120 days to evaluate the offers—it could take less time—and make an award, probably in June 2010. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley told reporters Thursday at the Pentagon that the service would expect the first aircraft deliveries in 2015. After the bulk of the KC-X deliveries are made, he said USAF would reconsider the way forward for the KC-Y and KC-Z. Continue
China thinks it will be able to invade Taiwan by 2027 and has developed a technology edge in many key areas—but it is artificial intelligence that may be the decisive factor should conflict erupt, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said.