Boeing and EADS North America have until Feb. 11 to submit their best and final offers for supplying KC-X tankers to the Air Force, according to press reports. Each company is vying for the rights to build up to 179 KC-X tanker aircraft. They will replace the service’s oldest KC-135s that average about 50 years in age. Reuters reported that both companies had separate meetings with Air Force acquisition officials on Monday in preparation for turning in their final proposal revisions. Each company confirmed Feb. 11 as the due date, reports Bloomberg.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.