Leeham News and Analysis
There's more to real news than a news release.
There's more to real news than a news release.
Leeham News and Analysis
- Dissecting Boeing CEO’s statement next new airplane will cost $50bn April 15, 2024
- Bjorn’s Corner: New engine development. Part 3. Propulsive efficiency April 12, 2024
- A350-1000 or 777-9? Part 2 April 11, 2024
- Pontifications: Boeing “transparency”–not so much. April 9, 2024
- Airbus charges and write-offs since 1999: more than €33bn April 8, 2024
What’s next on the tanker?
We’ve been asked by media across the country, What’s next for the tanker competition?
We stated our position long ago: if Boeing lost the protest, it should accept the GAO decision. On the other hand, if the Air Force lost, then the service and Northrop should accept it.
This means the deal, in our view, should be rebid as recommended by the GAO.
As for what should happen, we’ve been clear about that for a long time: double the production and appropriation and split the order between Boeing and Northrop. Then everyone can get on with their lives and be put out of collective misery over this interminable saga.
Well that sounds like an easy out but doesn’t solve the problem, If they rebid then there will be no split, it will be as if the original bids never existed.
And that’s the way it should be, apples to apples and oranges to oranges, all the hidden and unstated costs now fully exposed and under intense scrutiny from the GAO and Congress.
One must remember they are spending taxpayers money, and thousands of jobs are dependent on the outcome both in America and Europe, suppliers to both bidders now must wait along with the rest of us for the final outcome.
This will seem tainted by politics if Boeing wins the bid on the second go around, but in spite of Senator Murray’s valid points, and she has many, it really will be an award based on very clear and concise needs with all costs factored in, rather than the muddy specifications called for in the first proposal.
Amen
I have posted this elsewhere, but I also agree the tanker contract should be dual-sourced. The USAF has a need for tankers the size of the B767 and the A332.
The incoming CSAF, General Schwartz, has recently commented he wants Congress to fund 26 new-build tankers a year.
Make almost everyone happy and buy them both.
“As for what should happen, we’ve been clear about that for a long time: double the production and appropriation and split the order between Boeing and Northrop.”
Loren Thompson stated it would be unwise for a split buy. Are you challenging that position?
http://lexingtoninstitute.org/1170.shtml
Thanks,
John
Loren has his view; we have ours.
“One must remember they are spending taxpayers money, and thousands of jobs are dependent on the outcome both in America and Europe, suppliers to both bidders now must wait along with the rest of us for the final outcome”
-Ken
Even more reason for a ‘King Solomon’ decision.
It will be split.
You’ll see.