The Economy

DOD to Announce Winner of KC-X Contract Later Today

Feb. 24, 2011

Boeing, EADS vying for $35 billion contract.

The Department of Defense has scheduled a briefing at 5:10 p.m. EST at the Pentagon to announce the winner of the KC-X tanker contract, according to its website.

Chicago-based Boeing and European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company N.V. (EADS) are vying for the contract to replace the Air Force's aging fleet of aerial-refueling tankers. The two aerospace giants say their final proposals contained aggressive bids to win the $35 billion contract.

Boeing is proposing to build a fleet of its "NewGen" 767s, while EADS is proposing to build a fleet of A330-based KC-45s.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.