Tankers on Top of AF Shopping Lis

[unhappycamper]

Tankers on Top of AF Shopping List
March 18, 2009
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON - Acquiring a new fleet of Air Force tankers, known as KC-X until an airframe is chosen, is imperative, the commander of U.S. Transportation Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

"My top priority remains the recapitalization of our aging tanker fleet," Air Force Gen. Duncan J. McNabb told the senators. "The KC-X will be a game-changer."

The aircraft, designed to be a refueler with cargo-carrying capability, will revolutionize the mobility world the same way the C-17 did for in-theater and strategic airlift, the general said.

"It will be the ultimate mobility force multiplier," he said.

The Air Force selected Northrop Grumman/EADS for the tanker project last year, but rival bidder Boeing protested the decision. Bidding was reopened after a Government Accountability Office found flaws with the process.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/air-force-news/tankers-on-top-of-af-shopping-list.html?col=1186032369229