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**B757300** · 2008-02-29, 23:41

Nice going USAF. Putting our national security in the hands of the French, and at a time when the US economy is in a slow down, nuking the prospect of 40,000+ jobs.

I watched the press conference and have never seen so much spin put out by a military officer. He could give any politician a run for his money in how to spin. Why do I get the feeling that the decision had been made before the bidding ever began.

**Robert Hilton** · 2008-02-29, 23:50

Originally posted by B757300

Nice going USAF. Putting our national security in the hands of the French, and at a time when the US economy is in a slow down, nuking the prospect of 40,000+ jobs.

I watched the press conference and have never seen so much spin put out by a military officer. He could give any politician a run for his money in how to spin. Why do I get the feeling that the decision had been made before the bidding ever began.

I imagine he had an awful lot of explaining to do as to why they chose the sensible option and not the political one.

**TAP-A343** · 2008-02-29, 23:59

Originally posted by B757300

Nice going USAF. Putting our national security in the hands of the French

The same way that many European countries put their national security in the hands of the Americans.

Anyway, the best product won for a change but this sounds like the beginning of the end of the "American Empire".

Perhaps next we shall see an A380 as Air Force One.

**CathayPacific** · 2008-03-01, 00:37

Originally posted by B757300

Nice going USAF. Putting our national security in the hands of the French

I support your argument IF you are willing to extend that to all the other countries, meaning US stops complaining about mounting military R&D expenditure of other countries so they can be self-sufficient in terms of "national security". And that includes countries like India, China, Russia and even Iran.

There were news a few weeks ago saying that the Airbus offer fits the technology and operational specification laid out by USAF better, although I am still surprised the deal did go to Airbus/Northrop at the end. On the other hand, I think Boeing made a tactical error by using 767 to compete with A330. It was proven in the civil airliner market that 767 could not compete with A330 (that's why Boeing started working on 787). Boeing just wanted to use this to keep the 767 line running. What it should have done is to say goodbye to the 767 line, and used 777 to compete with Airbus on this bid. The 777-200F can easily be redeveloped into a tanker. This would be much superior to the A330.

But this doesn't mean Boeing has lost completely. This deal is only 40% of the replacement requirement. If Boeing is smart and use 777 to compete when next contract comes up, it will have a much bigger chance. Airbus doesn't have anything else in the pipeline to use since A350 will not be ready even by then to be developed into a tanker.

**Greg** · 2008-03-01, 05:51

I don't for one second that either Boeing or the Senators from Illinois and Washington will take this sitting down. Moreover I don't think the Commander in Chief will be supportive of this move and I think this whole mess will move onto an even messier phase.

**HalcyonDays** · 2008-03-01, 10:08

Originally posted by CathayPacific

But this doesn't mean Boeing has lost completely. This deal is only 40% of the replacement requirement. If Boeing is smart and use 777 to compete when next contract comes up, it will have a much bigger chance. Airbus doesn't have anything else in the pipeline to use since A350 will not be ready even by then to be developed into a tanker.

Airbus does also have the A310 as a tanker, already in service. Obviously a smaller airframe. The A330 is all round best on capability grounds : more fuel offload ability and from a greater range distance, more cargo, more passengers and so on. I don't think they need to match the old KC-135 fleet number for number. The US still gains a great amount from the deal, the engines, the manufacture and so on. No-one complains very much when European airlines or air forces buy American.

**Vishal Jolapara** · 2008-03-01, 12:06

Originally posted by B757300

Nice going USAF. Putting our national security in the hands of the French, and at a time when the US economy is in a slow down, nuking the prospect of 40,000+ jobs.

Report: Airbus will build the A330-200 sections in Europe and ship the components to the US. A new factory in Mobile, Alabama will perform final assembly before moving to a nearby Northrop facility to install mission equipment.

EADS also plans to manufacture the CASA-designed refuelling boom for the KC-45 in Bridgeport, West Virginia.

I think more than half the world's countries trust their National Security with American Products why cant the US trust Airbus ?
Are they an unknown or unproven ?? Besides, the USAF chose the best possible product to fit the bill, why does it seem fishy just because Boeing didnt get the contract ?

Originally posted by TAP-A343

The same way that many European countries put their national security in the hands of the Americans.

Anyway, the best product won for a change

Originally posted by Robert Hilton

I imagine he had an awful lot of explaining to do as to why they chose the sensible option and not the political one.

Oh yea

i wont be surprised if the american media starts digging-up things about his past, investigating him & all that nonsense.

Report:Boeing has a right to appeal the USAF decision. A protest can be filed with the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) within 10 days after the USAF debriefs the Boeing team about the reasons for its decision. GAO is committed to issuing a judgment on the protest within 100 days. �Once we have reviewed the details behind the award,� Boeing said, �we will make a decision concerning our possible options, keeping in mind at all times the impact to the warfighter and our nation."

� Olivier Corneloup

**ptwtanks** · 2008-03-01, 14:34

Earl Shibe Job

No one really thinks this plane will be "assembled" in the US do they? It will be built in France, FLOWN here, painted and the refueling boom will be glued on. Its not a factory it is a glorified paint shop.

**HalcyonDays** · 2008-03-01, 15:04