Boeing pulls off shock KC-X win, 767 tanker now designated KC-46A

In a surprise decision among watchers who have predicted an EADS victory, the United States Air Force has selected Boeing to provide 179 tankers. The tanker, based on the Boeing 767, has been designated the KC-46A.

BREAKING: Boeing wins KC-X

More details to follow

KC-X winner to be announced Thursday 24th February

The scuttlebutt from the past few days is correct; the US Air Force will announce the winner of the KC-X tanker competition Thursday 24 February 2pm US Eastern Time. Speculation is also rife that the winner will be EADS with its A330 MRTT derivative, the KC-45. We'll see if scuttlebutt can make it 2 out of 2.

EADS lowers KC-X bid price; USAF may declare winner in Feb

Despite delcaring it will not make drastic last minute pricing changes, EADS North America has revealed a major shift in pricing strategy and outlined how its proposal may prevail over Boeing's bid. This comes as two senior USAF officials say that the KC-X winner may be declared by the end of the month.

Boeing to revise bid for USAF's KC-X tanker deal

As we approach the endgame to the saga, Boeing has said it would submit a "best and final offer" for the KC-X contract to supply the USAF with 179 tankers. Boeing and USAF officials had held talks to discuss the company's proposal and revisions would follow. Boeing is offering a modified 767 for the KC-X.

Senate hearing likely to further delay USAF KC-X decision

A Senate Armed Services Committee hearing to seek answers from officials about a mishap that saw the USAF send data about EADS's and Boeing's tanker bids to each other is likely to delay the KC-X contract award announcement until mid-February or later. The USAF has hinted a contract announcement is close.

Boeing withdraws from Indian midair tanker tender

In a surprising move, Boeing has withdrawn from the midair tanker tender floated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). A company executive has stated that it is unable to determine its ability to participate in future international competitions until the USAF's KC-X decision is made.

USAF backs off date estimate for KC-X tanker contract award

Contradicting EADS North America's CEO and backing off from previous date commitments, the US Air Force has refused to give an estimated date on the announcement of the winner of the KC-X tanker competition. The tanker selection process has been repeatedly roiled by controversy.

EADS expects USAF KC-X decision in February

The drawn out competition of the US Air Force's tanker selection looks to be nearing its end, with EADS expecting the USAF's KC-X decision to be made in February. It had previously expected a decision in November 2010, but delays due to due diligence have pushed the date back.

No KC-X Price Info Shared; two KC-X officials fired over information leak

USAF Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz has said that no sensitive pricing information was released when it mistakenly sent KC-X competitors Boeing and EADS information on each other’s offers. Two people in the KC-X program office have already been fired and more would be “held accountable” for the incident

USAF Gaffe Roils Tanker Contest

The problems with the USAF's KC-X contest continues. This time, the USAF has admitted that a clerical error saw it sending its technical assessments of the rival bids to the wrong bidder; i.e. sending its assessment of Boeing's bid to EADS, and vice versa.

KC-X Last Tanker for Two Decades, larger fuel capacity a selection criteria: Analyst

A defence analyst has said that she believes fuel capacity will be a major factor in deciding the outcome of the U.S. Air Force's KC-X tanker competition, and that the KC-X likely be the Air Force's last tanker buy for decades. Taking into consideration mission scenarios over the Pacific, a tanker carrying more fuel it will be able to fly farther, stay on station longer and have more fuel left over for waiting aircraft.

Boeing reveals details of its KC-X entry

Boeing has revealed some more information about its 767 entrant in the USAF's KC-X competition. The 767 NewGen Tanker will incorporate the 767-200 wing & fuselage, 767-300 side cargo door and 767-400 flight deck. It will also have a new boom which Boeing is designing.

EADS touts advantages in KC-X battle

EADS has stated that its proposed KC-45 tanker satisfies the US Air Force's requirement to offload fuel at 1,200 gallons per minute through its boom and costs less on the basis of fuel burned per gallon of fuel delivered, compared to rival Boeing's 767 tanker.

EADS will not sell tankers below cost

European aircraft manufacturer EADS has stated it will not follow Boeing's lead and trim the cost of its A330 tanker in its bid to win the KC-X contract.

Boeing leaves open tanker price tweak

Boeing has stated that it is willing to reduce its bid for the USAF's KC-X tanker contract to deny the deal to Airbus parent EADS. The USAF is looking to purchase 179 aircraft to replace its ageing KC-135 Stratotankers.