Some Reasoning Behind the KC-45A Decision

According to sources quoted in a Seattle newspaper, the Air Force says Northrop-Grumman's proposal for a new aerial refueling aircraft based on the A330 frame was simply better than Boeing's 767 plan. The Air Force will allegedly need 22 fewer Airbuses because the A330 is more efficient at refueling and has a faster turnaround time than the 767. Boeing did have strong points in communications, some aerial refueling capabilities and combat survivability.

Sounds like the 777 plan would have been the better platform for Boeing to base their bid off of, which I would think makes good sense as it is more comparable in size, if nothing else, to the A330. Maybe it was Boeing's last hope to keep the 767 on the production line for a while longer. Maybe we will never know...but Boeing's protest goes on.

In the end, the Air Force is no different than any airline, they apparently want efficiency and a fast turnaround. Who cares about communication, ability to refuel better (isn't that this aircraft's primary mission and purpose???), and combat survivability...makes complete no sense, doesn't it?

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