Boeing And The USAF Tanker Program: The Plot Thickens

Boeing (BA: 48.44 -0.52 -1.06%) apparently is considering proposing on the upcoming USAF Tanker Program re-bid with versions of two of its models — the 767 and the 777 — in the hopes that one of them will be selected over the single Northrop Grumman (NOC: 47.11 -0.26 -0.55%)/Airbus A330-based submittal. The following is provided for those of you interested in the specifications — and the differences — between the three aircraft (for the Boeing 777-based version, we have used data for the 777 Freighter as being probably closest to the final configuration):

In case you’ve forgotten, the current KC-767 has no cargo capacity, as it is solely an aerial-refueling tanker, which is what Boeing may have thought USAF wanted during the last tanker tussle. Instead, USAF picked a version of the A330 MRTT — an aircraft with cargo capability — which means it can also be configured as a troop carrier, which may be one of the reasons USAF doesn’t want any more C-17s.

It’s all becoming clearer now: if you’re not going to buy KC-767s and you’re not going to procure more C-17s, the least USAF can do is buy KC-777s. Not only that, but Boeing reportedly is thinking about producing the KC-777 aerial tanker in Everett, which would make most of us living in Western Washington State a bit happier than even the last thirty days without rain have done.

If you take a look at the specifications, you will notice that the A330 MRTT is sandwiched in between the KC-767 and KC-777. However, if USAF wants a multipurpose aircraft with the most capability, the KC-777 is quite possibly the aircraft of choice.

In any event, the re-bid is a happening thing, and we may soon know if U.S. commercial aircraft production will continue to be centered in the Pacific Northwest or will begin to shift to the Gulf Coast — for if the A330 MRTT wins, it will be completed in Mobile, Alabama…and once Airbus has a toe-hold in the USA, there’s no telling what comes next.

Incidentally, USAF’s version of the A330 MRTT was ultimately dubbed the KC-45, so as to not confuse it with anyone else’s A330 MRTT tankers.

Let the bidding begin!