As the President and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space and Security, one of my responsibilities is to keep the entire team focused on meeting the needs of our warfighter customers. They need us to find a way to get things done and avoid any distractions. That simple philosophy keeps us well positioned in high-profile programs like the KC-X Tanker competition.
Recently I commented in the media that we’ve had a very robust, ongoing dialogue with the Department of Defense and Air Force customer on KC-X. That open communication model continued last week: As the U.S. government moves closer to releasing their final Request for Proposal (RFP), Boeing was invited to meet with senior Pentagon leadership. Jim Albaugh (President and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes) and I attended that meeting, noting our integrated commitment.
In dialogue with the customer, we understand that the final RFP should be released within the next month or so. We don't anticipate any significant changes in requirements or acquisition approach, but they are diligently considering refinements to the acquisition strategy as part of the process.
We also communicated that our team can and will meet all 373 of their mandatory competition requirements, that we look forward to a fair and level playing field, that we’re ready to compete for the great honor of replacing America’s tanker fleet, and that we are focused on providing a best value solution with true life cycle affordability.
Let me close by thanking all of our supporters globally. Whether it’s your kind words of support on UnitedStatesTanker.com or tireless efforts to help Boeing continue an 80-year legacy of building tankers for this nation, we appreciate each and every one of you.
As we move forward in the competition and receive the final RFP, I’m excited about telling you what we’ll offer and why it will serve the warfighter and taxpayers as well as the current Boeing-built KC-135 and KC-10 fleets flying today.
Comments
Dear Mr. Muilenberg, Welcome to the blogosphere. Good luck with this airplane. I hope everybody remembers that Boeing is Made in the USA for the USA by American workers.
-Chris
There are many people within the organization who feel we have the best product to offer in this competition. It is appreciated that our leadership team stays involved with the customer so we have a clear understanding of the expections of the RFP. You are supported by many Boeing employees and we trust the future of our company as they compete in the global markeplace to you.
I would hope that DOD does the right thing for our country and the military in supporting Boeing for this new tanker. I spent a career in the Air Force as a crewmember on both the KC-135 and the KC-10. Additionally, while in initial training at Castle AFB, I had the opportunity to fly from Castle to General Billy Mitchell Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in a KC-97.
The majority of my time was in the KC-135, where I saw the transition from the A model with the Pratt and Whitney J57's, to the R model with the GE CFM56's. As a KC-135 crewmember, I had the opportunity to support the initial wave of aircraft going overseas for the Gulf War in 1991. It didn't matter if we were moving cargo across country or dragging fighters across the pond, we could always count on KC-135 aircraft getting the job done. When I retired from the Air Force, the newest KC-135 was 31 years old and still flying.
Boeing has always been there for the U.S. Air Force, they provide outstanding aircraft that continue to fly for decades, like the KC-135 and B-52. We need to support Boeing, as they have the tried and tested technology for In-flight refueling that has worked since the days of the KB-50. Our support needs to be for Boeing, who provides American jobs and reliable American aircraft, and the best return on American taxpayer dollars.
Thank you
An Airbus Tanker would require the purchase of such a vast amount of spare parts,from head to tails. All of which are manufactured in Europe.Wind screen to Rudder, Landing Gear to Aileron. Most likely cost more than buying another Aircraft for spare parts! Don
I am retired USAF. I was a crew member on the B-52D, one of the Mack Trucks. We took on loads of fuel and traveled to Guam or Kadena or Utapao courtesy of the KC-135A. I later worked for Boeing at the time of the "R" model introduction. All this it to say that I think that the USAF would make a grave mistake if Boeing were not chosen for the KC-X production. Others have stated reasons on this blog why that is true. Also, I just happen to think that American made should mean something!
-jimbo