The Defense Acquisition Board has set Feb. 13 as the date to review the Air Force’s decision on the KC-X tanker replacement program, reports Flight International. Announcement of the winner would come within 10 days afterward, industry sources tell FI. The war of words has continued even after the two competitors—Boeing and Northrop Grumman-EADS—turned in their proposals. Most recently EADS said it would use a proposed KC-X plant in Alabama to build a commercial airlifter, boosting the projected economic gain to the region. While, Boeing touted a commissioned report that found its proposed tanker would be more fuel-efficient than the Northrop-EADS aircraft.
With key members of Congress wavering on the possibility of a $350 billion defense reconciliation bill, defense experts told Air & Space Forces Magazine that the Pentagon is likely drawing up budget backup plans—but such plans would face hard choices between high-end weapons and low-cost drones and other programs in…