The USAF has selected the Northrop Grumman KC-30 design to become the KC-45A as the next aerial refueling tanker in the service.
The selection involves the production of 4 test aircraft and 64 production aircraft. 179 KC-45A's are likely to eventually be procured. They will replace the aging KC-135E fleet currently serving in Air Mobility Command.
This is pretty big news...Boeing was regarded as being the heavily favored competitor. Boeing will also likely launch a lawsuit against the USAF claiming that they should have been selected. It appears the USAF does not have a problem reaching across the pond to get an aircraft with better capabilities.
Tanker contract award announced
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