Jobs. That word has resurfaced in the Air Force’s KC-X tanker contest with Wednesday’s announcement by Boeing. The company stated at its United States Tanker Web site that it would rely on 14 parts suppliers in Florida if the Air Force chooses it to supply KC-X tankers. This would benefit an estimated 1,900 total jobs in the state and have an estimated annual economic impact of $95 million, said Boeing. The company intends to offer the Air Force its 767-based NewGen Tanker. Boeing spokesman Bill Barskdale told the Daily Report Thursday that the company projects that NewGen Tanker work would “support approximately 50,000 total US jobs with more than 800 suppliers in more than 40 states.” Expect to hear more on jobs as the KC-X recapitalization effort progresses, especially if EADS decides to mount a challenge to Boeing and compete for the KC-X contract. (Boeing blog entry)
An important U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry AWACS command and control plane was among the aircraft damaged in a March 27 Iranian missile and drone attack on Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, people familiar with the matter told Air & Space Forces Magazine.