The Air Force this week issued answers to nine questions on its draft KC-X tanker request for proposals released Sept. 24. Industry responders—read that Boeing and Northrop Grumman—have about 30 days left of their allotted 60 days to review and question the draft RFP before USAF issues the final RFP. Among the nine questions: Why did the Air Force increase the refueling boom flow rate? The Air Force responded: “The requirement was and still is 1,200 GPM. In the previous source selection this was a tradeable requirement and any value less than 1,200 GPM could have been offered and received partial credit.” (All nine questions and answers posted Oct. 19)
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
