Tanker guidelines to be released soon

The Air Force is expected to release its requirements for the aerial refueling tankers this week. Some news reports are saying it will be Friday, some say Thursday. The team of Northrop Grumman and EADS, parent of Airbus, won the $40 million contract in February 2008, but a Boeing protest was upheld on grounds the selection process was flawed. Boeing wants to build the tankers in Washington and Kansas, and Northrop/EADS want to assemble them in Mobile, Ala. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley said last week that he expects the contract to be awarded in 2010. (Source: Multiple, 09/23/09)