A version of the Boeing 767 dubbed “NewGen Tanker” will win the reopened U.S. Air Force KC-X competition by default, after Northrop Grumman declined to bid the Airbus A330MRTT. Northrop and EADS expressed disappointment that “the revised source selection methodology now dramatically favors Boeing’s smaller refueling tanker.” The transatlantic partnership further noted, “The Air Force previously had selected the A330-based KC-45 because of its added capability, lower risk and best value. The A330MRTT has been selected over the Boeing tanker in the last five consecutive competitions and will shortly enter service with several U.S. allies.”
When the draft request for proposal (RFP) for the Pentagon’s third attempt to procure a new tanker was issued in the fall, Northrop and EADS argued that none of the 373 selection criteria gave credit for the larger capacity of the A330MRTT nor, as they claimed, its lower risk. But only minor changes were made in the
final RFP that was issued late last month.
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