EADS, like Northrop, scraps tanker bid

The parent company of Airbus, EADS, has dropped out of the contest to build the next generation of tankers for the U.S. Air Force, leaving Boeing as the sole bidder. EADS accused the U.S. government of skewing the competition in rival Boeing's favor. Ralph Crosby, chairman of EADS North America, said the methodology for the contest "would heavily weigh in the favor of the smaller, less capable Boeing tanker." EADS and Northrop planned to offer a military version of the A330, while Boeing has opted for the 767. Northrop earlier announced it would drop out. Northrop and EADS had complained that the RFP was changed from the previous competition. Northrop and EADS won the last competition in February 2008, but it was overturned after a protest by Boeing. (Source: Telegraph, 03/08/10) Gulf Coast note: Northrop and EADS wanted to assemble the tankers in Mobile, Ala., at Brookley Industrial Complex, creating at least 1,500 jobs.