In
a pre-solicitation notice issued this week, Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, said it would release the final request for proposals in the KC-X tanker replacement program not earlier than Feb. 23. ASC also said the contract would call for four developmental aircraft and up to 175 production aircraft produced at an “anticipated” target rate of 15 per year, which likely means the Pentagon still expects to issue a single contract not the dual buy some lawmakers and defense analysts believe is the better way forward. Northrop Grumman officials still say the Northrop-EADS team will not participate unless there are significant changes to the RFP. Pentagon and Air Force leaders remain convinced that there’s no need for major revisions.
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…