[Boblo]

Where do we find the real details behind this as opposed to all the political BS. I heard Boeing bid to the proposal specs
while Airbus bid a bigger plane with a higher price. The AF then decided the Airbus deal sounded better without going back
and sending out a new request to the vendors based on the “new” AF desire for a bigger plane.

This does not sound fair but reeks of incompetence in the AF process if true.

Like I said, where can one find the facts?

[A. Morgan]

Major manufacturers such as Boeing Co., General Electric Aircraft Engines and Bombardier/Learjet often cut costs by allowing foreign suppliers to make airplane components, but do not adequately supervise the quality of their subcontractors’ work, said the report this week from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s inspector general.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20080301/BUSINESS/834977225/1006

Northrop offered more bang for the buck.
Boeing’s Tankers did not perform as well as Northrop’s

http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/05/why-boeing-lost-the-100-billion-air-force-tanker-deal/

[Oztrich Boy]

Where do we find the real details behind this as opposed to all the political BS.

I suggest you ignore everything that eminates from a Boeing exec, a Washington (Satre of) politician, or with a Seattle dateline.

Tr wasn't even close

Bottom Line Northrop-Grumman/EADS brought their A game and a in existance hardware tanker they have been developing for 5 years to the table.

Boeing were hoping to get the contract because they were Boieng, and use it to pay for the development of the 767LRF.

[tgusa]

They will be hard to find as long as a legal dispute is in the air. OBTW this wouldn’t be the first time an ‘entitled’ corporation lost out on a best-value basis, if that’s what happened. Build a better product, and the buyers will come.

[Calpernia]

This might help

http://republicans.armedservices.house.gov/News/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=426

http://republicans.armedservices.house.gov/News/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=427

[oldironsides]

Wasn’t Boeing caught several years ago greasing the way toward a contract( private meetings with a Pentagon rep) for the tankers? They paid an enormous fine. They are still being punished.

[gogeo]

I don't know of a way, except to stay tuned. The facts will be outed.

Meantime, I'm resisting the urge to opine until I know enough.

[FreeReign]

I heard Boeing bid to the proposal specs while Airbus bid a bigger plane with a higher price. The AF then decided the Airbus deal sounded better without going back and sending out a new request to the vendors based on the “new” AF desire for a bigger plane. This does not sound fair but reeks of incompetence in the AF process if true.

News Release | March 10, 2008 | Excerpt :The size of the proposed tanker aircraft was not dictated by the Air Force nor was size an established criteria -- each contractor was free to propose the best solution and platform to meet Air Force warfighter requirements.

Link