From Northrop's website:
"Northrop Grumman’s KC-45 Tanker is the right answer for the U.S. Air Force’s modernization of its aerial refueling fleet. This capable aircraft is based on the highly successful A330 airliner, and is a derivative of the tanker/transport aircraft already selected for service in the air forces of Australia, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The KC-45 provides a total air mobility solution – with exceptional capacity for in-flight refueling, plus full flexibility in cargo delivery, passenger transport, aeromedical evacuation, and other missions."
This is an Airbus airframe configured as a tanker. The aircraft is built in Europe and is modified as a tanker in the US. Boeing aircraft contain some components built overseas, but most aren't. They are built in the US by a company with a long history of providing the United States with front line heavy lift aircraft.
Some people seem to think of America's defense as a jobs program - that's not the mission of Boeing.
“This is an Airbus airframe configured as a tanker.”
Just like the KC-767 is a commercial airframe that will be configured as a tanker.
“The aircraft is built in Europe and is modified as a tanker in the US.”
Only the first 5 will be built in Europe, after that they will be built here in the U.S.
“Boeing aircraft contain some components built overseas, but most aren’t.”
Yeah components built in China and Russia.
“They are built in the US by a company with a long history of providing the United States with front line heavy lift aircraft.”
No, they are ASSEMBLED, not built.
“Some people seem to think of America’s defense as a jobs program - that’s not the mission of Boeing.”
No the mission of Boeing is to screw the customer and stiffle innovation and competition.
And you say that some people think that America’s defense is a “jobs program”.... That’s funny because many of your fellow Boeing cheerleaders have cried over the alledged job losses if Boeing loses the tanker deal.
So by all means, explain how giving the deal to Boeing ISN’T a jobs program.