Boeing's Union-Busting Move to SC Backfires; Can't Meet 787 Production Demand

[Divernan]

20. Speaking of Boeing's work force cutting corners, here's an alarming example

Airbus anticipates getting another shot at a contract for the aerial refueling tankers, "if Boeing stumbles" and can't "perform the mission or solve the weight problem."

Asked what “weight problem” he meant, McArtor scoffed at the fact that Boeing is not putting thrust reversers on its KC-46A tanker. “That’s one indication” of a drive to save weight, he said.

Thrust reversers are part of the engine system that the pilot activates on landing to help brake the plane so it can land in a shorter distance.

A source familiar with the tanker proposal who asked not to be named confirmed that the Boeing KC-46A tanker has no thrust reversers but added that they were not part of the Air Force requirement.

McArtor laughed at the notion of leaving out thrust reversers because it would mean the tanker needs a longer landing strip. He compared it to a car without brakes.

http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2021226174_airshowmcartorxml.html

Although the work force cutting this corner is pretty high up the food chain, i.e., the designer, not an assembly line worker.