KC-X#Projected follow-on programs

The initial plan was to lease Boeing KC-767 tankers on a sole-source basis; Boeing is the only American company with the requisite industrial capability to manufacture large-body aircraft. As such, the KC-767 was selected in 2002{{Cite web |last=Cook |first=Dan |date=1 May 2002 |title=Boeing Given Nod on Tanker Lease |url=https://military-aerospace-technology.com/article.cfm?DocID=335 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225204519/https://military-aerospace-technology.com/article.cfm?DocID=335 |archive-date=25 December 2023 |website=military-aerospace-technology.com}} in 2003 Boeing was awarded a US$20 billion contract to lease KC-767 tankers to replace the KC-135.

Led by Senator John McCain, several US government leaders protested the lease contract as wasteful and problematic. In response to the protests, the Air Force struck a compromise in November 2003, whereby it would purchase 80 KC-767 aircraft and lease 20 more.{{Cite web |last=Tirpak |first=John A. |date=1 February 2004 |title=Tanker Twilight Zone |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0204tanker/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421013925/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0204tanker/ |archive-date=21 April 2023 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine}}

However, in December 2003, the Pentagon announced the project was to be frozen while an investigation of allegations of corruption by one of its former procurement staffers, Darleen Druyun (who had moved to Boeing in January 2003) was begun. Druyun pleaded guilty of criminal wrongdoing and was sentenced to nine months in prison for "negotiating a job with Boeing at the same time she was involved in contracts with the company".{{cite news |last=Cahlink |first=George |date=1 October 2004 |title=Ex-Pentagon procurement executive gets jail time |url=https://www.govexec.com/defense/2004/10/ex-pentagon-procurement-executive-gets-jail-time/17737/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108095404/https://www.govexec.com/defense/2004/10/ex-pentagon-procurement-executive-gets-jail-time/17737/ |archive-date=8 November 2022 |access-date=21 December 2006 |publisher=Govexec.com}} Additional fallout included the termination of CFO Michael M. Sears, who received a four-month prison sentence,{{Cite web |last=Palmer |first=Kimberly |date=3 October 2005 |title=Former Air Force acquisition official released from jail |url=https://www.govexec.com/federal-news/2005/10/former-air-force-acquisition-official-released-from-jail/20340/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827115312/https://www.govexec.com/federal-news/2005/10/former-air-force-acquisition-official-released-from-jail/20340/ |archive-date=27 August 2018 |website=Government Executive}} the resignation of Boeing CEO Philip M. Condit,{{Cite web |last=Holmes |first=Stanley |date=15 December 2003 |title=Boeing: What Really Happened |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2003-12-14/boeing-what-really-happened |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200625191738/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2003-12-14/boeing-what-really-happened |archive-date=25 June 2020 |website=Bloomberg}}{{Cite web |last=Leung |first=Rebecca |date=4 January 2005 |title=Cashing In For Profit? |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cashing-in-for-profit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206044241/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cashing-in-for-profit/ |archive-date=6 February 2023 |website=CBS News}} and Boeing paying $615 million in fines.{{Cite web |date=30 June 2006 |title=Boeing to Pay United States Record $615 Million to Resolve Fraud Allegations |url=https://www.justice.gov/archive/opa/pr/2006/June/06_civ_412.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820171447/https://www.justice.gov/archive/opa/pr/2006/June/06_civ_412.html |archive-date=20 August 2023 |website=U.S. Department of Justice}} In January 2006, the lease contract was formally canceled.{{Cite web |last=Majumdar |first=Dave |date=24 February 2011 |title=Boeing wins KC-X tanker battle |url=http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/02/defense-boeing-win-tanker-contract-022411/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721215931/http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/02/defense-boeing-win-tanker-contract-022411/#selection-507.0-507.30 |archive-date=21 July 2012 |website=Air Force Times}}

The USAF then began the KC-X tanker replacement program. The DoD posted a request for proposal on 30 January 2007.{{cite web |date=30 January 2007 |title=Air Force Posts KC-X Request for Proposals |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/140738/air-force-posts-kc-x-request-for-proposals/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111020614/https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/140738/air-force-posts-kc-x-request-for-proposals/ |archive-date=11 January 2024 |access-date=1 July 2011 |website=U.S. Air Force}} The U.S. Air Force's main requirements are "fuel offload and range at least as great as the KC-135", airlift capability, ability to take on fuel in flight, and multi-point refueling capability.

Two manufacturers expressed interest in producing this aircraft. The team of Northrop Grumman and EADS/Airbus proposed a version of the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), based on the Airbus A330-200.{{cite web|url=http://www.northropgrumman.com/kc30/ |title=Northrop Grumman KC-30 marketing web site |access-date=16 February 2007 |publisher=Northrop Grumman |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212054705/http://www.northropgrumman.com/kc30/ |archive-date=12 February 2007 |url-status=dead }} Boeing proposed a version of the KC-767, based on the Boeing 767.{{cite web|url=http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2007/q1/070212b_nr.html |title=Boeing Offers KC-767 Advanced Tanker to U.S. Air Force |date=12 February 2007 |access-date=8 September 2008 |publisher=Boeing |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070214105112/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2007/q1/070212b_nr.html |archive-date=14 February 2007 }} The Seattle Times commented on the pre-final designs in February 2007: "Northrop has been viewed as the underdog, with a heavier, less fuel efficient aircraft. The Airbus tanker would have a maximum fuel capacity of 200,000 pounds. Northrop spokesman Randy Belote said Northrop's K-30 would tack on roughly 20 percent in fuel capacity."{{cite news |last=Borak |first=Donna |date=13 February 2007 |title=Boeing Tweaks 767 for Tanker |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-tweaks-767-for-tanker/ |access-date=8 September 2008 |work=The Seattle Times}}

Both competitors submitted their tanker proposals before 12 April 2007 deadline.{{Cite web |date=11 April 2007 |title=Boeing Submits KC-767 Advanced Tanker Proposal to U.S. Air Force |url=http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2007/q2/070411b_nr.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070521163650/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2007/q2/070411b_nr.html |archive-date=21 May 2007 |website=Boeing}}{{Cite web |date=10 April 2007 |title=Northrop Grumman Submits KC-X Tanker Proposal to U.S. Air Force Early |url=http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=117090 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927175842/http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=117090 |archive-date=27 September 2007 |website=Northrop Grumman}} In September 2007, the USAF dismissed having a mixed fleet of new tankers from both Boeing and Northrop Grumman as being unfeasible because of increased costs from buying limited numbers of two types annually.{{Cite web |date=20 September 2007 |title=Dual Sourcing Tanker Unfeasible, Wynne Says |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=3630041&page=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820171453/https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=3630041&page=1 |archive-date=20 August 2023 |website=ABC News}} In December 2007, it was announced that the KC-X tanker would be designated KC-45A regardless of which design wins the competition.{{Cite web |last=Talbot |first=George |date=7 December 2007 |title=Boeing, Northrop vying for KC-10 service deal |url=http://www.al.com/business/mobileregister/index.ssf?%2Fbase%2Fbusiness%2F1197023159104310.xml&coll=3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224214531/http://www.al.com/business/mobileregister/index.ssf?%2Fbase%2Fbusiness%2F1197023159104310.xml&coll=3 |archive-date=24 December 2007 |website=al.com}} The DoD anticipated that the KC-45A would start to enter service in 2013.{{Cite web |date=3 March 2008 |title=New tanker to bring increased capabilities to warfighter |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/124218/new-tanker-to-bring-increased-capabilities-to-warfighter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111030335/https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/124218/new-tanker-to-bring-increased-capabilities-to-warfighter/ |archive-date=11 January 2024 |website=U.S. Air Force}}

On 3 January 2008, the competitors submitted final revisions of their proposals to the U.S. Air Force.{{Cite web |date=4 January 2008 |title=Boeing, Northrop Submit Final Tanker Proposals To USAF |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news%2FKCX010407.xml&headline=Boeing%2C%20Northrop%20Submit%20Final%20Tanker%20Proposals%20To%20USAF&channel=defense |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927185334/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news%2FKCX010407.xml&headline=Boeing%2C%20Northrop%20Submit%20Final%20Tanker%20Proposals%20To%20USAF&channel=defense |archive-date=27 September 2011 |website=Aviation Week}} On 29 February 2008, the DoD announced the selection of the Northrop Grumman/EADS's KC-30.{{Cite web |last=Cole |first=August |date=1 March 2008 |title=Boeing Loses Big Air Force Deal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB120432006746103635 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231224222530/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB120432006746103635 |archive-date=24 December 2023 |website=The Wall Street Journal}}

On 11 March 2008, Boeing filed a protest with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) of the award of the contract to the Northrop Grumman/EADS team. Boeing stated that there are certain aspects of the USAF evaluation process that have given it grounds to appeal.{{Cite web |date=11 March 2008 |title=Boeing Protests U.S. Air Force Tanker Contract Award |url=https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2008-03-11-Boeing-Protests-U-S-Air-Force-Tanker-Contract-Award |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227081952/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2008-03-11-Boeing-Protests-U-S-Air-Force-Tanker-Contract-Award |archive-date=27 December 2023 |website=Boeing}}{{Cite web |date=12 March 2008 |title=Air Force officials respond to Boeing protest |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/124131/air-force-officials-respond-to-boeing-protest/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205135744/https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/124131/air-force-officials-respond-to-boeing-protest/ |archive-date=5 December 2021 |website=U.S. Air Force}} The protest was upheld by the GAO on 18 June 2008, which recommended that the Air Force rebid the contract.{{cite web |url=http://www.king5.com/sharedcontent/northwest/pdf/gao_boeing.pdf |title=Statement Regarding the Bid Protest Decision Resolving the Aerial Refueling Tanker Protest by the Boeing Company |publisher=Government Accountability Office |date=18 June 2008 |access-date=18 June 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080625201918/http://www.king5.com/sharedcontent/northwest/pdf/gao_boeing.pdf |archive-date= 25 June 2008}}

On 9 July 2008, the Defense Secretary Robert Gates put the tanker contract in an "expedited recompetition" with Defense Undersecretary John Young in charge of the selection process instead of the Air Force.{{cite web |last1=Kruzel |first1=John J. |title=Pentagon officials reopen bidding on tanker contract |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/123052/pentagon-officials-reopen-bidding-on-tanker-contract/ |website=U.S. Air Force |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111021401/https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/123052/pentagon-officials-reopen-bidding-on-tanker-contract/ |archive-date=11 January 2024 |date=9 July 2008 |url-status=live}} A draft of the revised RFP was provided to the contractors on 6 August 2008 for comments with the revised RFP to be finalized by mid-August. Proposals would be due in October 2008 and selection was to be done by the end of 2008.{{Cite web |last=Butler |first=Amy |date=6 August 2008 |title=Pentagon Issues New Tanker Bid Parameters |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/REVISED08068.xml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307145815/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/REVISED08068.xml |archive-date=7 March 2012 |website=Aviation Week}}{{Cite news |date=6 August 2008 |title=Pentagon Reopens Bidding for Aerial Tankers and Refines Expectations |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/07/business/07tanker.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820171447/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/07/business/07tanker.html |archive-date=20 August 2023 |work=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite web |last=Pasztor |first=Andy |date=7 August 2008 |title=Boeing Says Bidding Changes Favor European Tanker Team |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB121805700442018139 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240111031451/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB121805700442018139 |archive-date=11 January 2024 |website=The Wall Street Journal}} In mid-August, there was speculation that Boeing was considering a "no bid" position.{{cite web |last=Butler |first=Amy |author2=Fulghum |first2=David A. |date=11 August 2008 |title=Boeing Leaning Toward Not Re-bidding KC-X |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/BOEING081108.xml&channel=defense |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307145427/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/BOEING081108.xml&channel=defense |archive-date=7 March 2012 |website=Aviation Week}} On 21 August 2008 Boeing asked the DoD for an additional four months to submit a proposal centered on a larger aircraft,Hedgpeth. "Tanker Bid Moves Toward Endgame" but they opposed further delay.{{Cite web |last=Shalal-Esa |first=Andrea |date=3 September 2008 |title=US Air Force general urges quick action on tanker |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN03515556/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240111033804/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN03515556/ |archive-date=11 January 2024 |website=Reuters}} Then on 10 September 2008, Defense Secretary Robert Gates decided that the new competition could not be fairly completed before the end of 2008. The DoD canceled the request for proposals and delayed the decision on when to issue another request until the new presidential administration was in office.{{cite web |date=10 September 2008 |title=The USAF's KC-X Aerial Tanker RFP: Canceled |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/the-usafs-kcx-aerial-tanker-rfp-03009/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917115622/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/the-usafs-kcx-aerial-tanker-rfp-03009/ |archive-date=17 September 2008 |website=Defense Industry Daily}}{{Cite web |last=Hedgpeth |first=Dana |date=11 September 2008 |title=Pentagon Postpones Tanker Competition |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/10/AR2008091000986.html?hpid=sec-business |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604145103/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/10/AR2008091000986.html?hpid=sec-business |archive-date=4 June 2011 |website=The Washington Post}}{{Cite web |last=Cole |first=August |last2=Lunsford |first2=J. Lynn |date=11 September 2008 |title=Boeing Gets Reprieve in Fuel-Tanker Contest |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122105210879619199?mod=most_viewed_day |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240111034028/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122105210879619199#selection-4132.0-4132.1 |archive-date=11 January 2024 |website=The Wall Street Journal}}

File:KC-X Presentation 2009.jpg William Lynn, speaks about KC-X at a press conference at the Pentagon on 24 September 2009.]]

On 16 September 2009, Secretary Gates announced a renewed effort for the KC-X program. The selection process will be under the Air Force with a "robust oversight role" by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) to prevent a repeated failure.{{cite news |last1=Lyle |first1=Amaani |date=16 September 2009 |title=SecDEF announces return of KC-X program |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/119141/secdef-announces-return-of-kc-x-program/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114065126/https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/119141/secdef-announces-return-of-kc-x-program/ |archive-date=14 January 2023 |access-date=17 June 2016 |publisher=U.S. Air Force}}{{Cite web |last=Wolf |first=Jim |last2=Shalal-Esa |first2=Andrea |date=24 September 2009 |title=Pentagon's new tanker rules exclude trade fight |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-tanker/pentagons-new-tanker-rules-exclude-trade-fight-idUKTRE58N4Y520090924/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240111035020/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-tanker/pentagons-new-tanker-rules-exclude-trade-fight-idUKTRE58N4Y520090924/ |archive-date=11 January 2024 |website=Reuters}} On 25 September 2009 the USAF issued a draft request for proposals (RFP) seeking comments for the official tanker replacement RFP.{{Cite web |date=25 September 2009 |title=KC-X Tanker Modernization Program |url=https://govtribe.com/opportunity/federal-contract-opportunity/kc-x-tanker-modernization-program-fa862510r6600specialnotice |website=govtribe.com}} The RFP for a fixed-price contract specified 373 requirements for the new plane, and stated that the price of each tanker would be adjusted to reflect how much it would cost to operate over 40 years and how well it would meet various war-fighting needs. The initial contract would be for 179 aircraft for $35 billion.{{Cite web |last=Drew |first=Christopher |date=24 September 2009 |title=$35 Billion Tanker Contract Opens |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/25/business/25tanker.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820171447/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/25/business/25tanker.html |archive-date=20 August 2023 |website=The New York Times}}{{Cite web |last=Dunlop |first=Michelle |date=25 September 2009 |title=Boeing-Airbus tanker battle resumes today |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/boeing-airbus-tanker-battle-resumes-today/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820171631/https://www.heraldnet.com/news/boeing-airbus-tanker-battle-resumes-today/ |archive-date=20 August 2023 |website=Herald.net}}{{Cite web |last=Shalal-Esa |first=Andrea |date=27 October 2009 |title=Alabama lawmakers say Pentagon tanker rules unfair |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE59Q50F20091027/?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=11604 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820171445/https://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE59Q50F20091027/?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=11604 |archive-date=20 August 2023 |website=Reuters}} Northrop Grumman/EADS team claimed the requirement was advantaging Boeing and threatened to withdraw from the competition on 1 December 2009.{{Cite web |last=Shalal-Esa |first=Andrea |date=1 December 2009 |title=Northrop threatens to boycott US tanker contest |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/AIRDEF/idUSN0151336920091201/?sp=true |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820171446/https://www.reuters.com/article/AIRDEF/idUSN0151336920091201/?sp=true |archive-date=20 August 2023 |website=Reuters}}{{Cite web |last=DiMascio |first=Jen |date=1 December 2009 |title=Northrop may withdraw tanker bid |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2009/12/northrop-may-withdraw-tanker-bid-030076 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820171510/https://www.politico.com/story/2009/12/northrop-may-withdraw-tanker-bid-030076 |archive-date=20 August 2023 |website=Politico}}{{Cite web |last=Tiron |first=Roxanna |date=1 December 2009 |title=Northrop Grumman threatens to quit competition for tanker |url=https://thehill.com/news-by-subject/defense-homeland-security/55832-northrop-grumman-threatens-to-quit-competition-for-tanker/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111040351/https://thehill.com/news-by-subject/defense-homeland-security/55832-northrop-grumman-threatens-to-quit-competition-for-tanker/ |archive-date=11 January 2024 |website=The Hill}}

The fiscal 2011 Defense Department budget relegated $864 million in research and development money. A contract award was expected in summer 2010.{{Cite web |last=Garamone |first=Jim |date=1 February 2010 |title=Budget request continues defense reform agenda |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/117766/budget-request-continues-defense-reform-agenda/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111040705/https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/117766/budget-request-continues-defense-reform-agenda/ |archive-date=11 January 2024 |website=U.S. Air Force}} On 24 February 2010, the US Air Force released the revised request for proposal (RFP) for KC-X. The RFP called for the KC-X tanker to first fly in 2012 and aircraft deliveries to begin in 2013.{{Cite web |last=Reed |first=John |date=25 February 2010 |title=USAF Sets KC-X First Flight, IOC Dates |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20100225/DEFSECT01/2250306/USAF-Sets-KC-X-First-Flight-IOC-Dates |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120529195044/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php |archive-date=29 May 2012 |website=Defense News}}

On 8 March 2010, Northrop Grumman followed through with their earlier threat and decided to not submit a bid for the KC-X tanker stating that they believed the new evaluation methodology favored Boeing's smaller tanker.{{cite web |last1=Ostrower |first1=Jon |title=Northrop Grumman declines to bid on latest KC-X RFP |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/northrop-grumman-declines-to-bid-on-latest-kc-x-rfp/92376.article |website=FlightGlobal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111022901/https://www.flightglobal.com/northrop-grumman-declines-to-bid-on-latest-kc-x-rfp/92376.article |archive-date=11 January 2024 |language=en |date=9 March 2010 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |last1=Wall |first1=Robert |date=10 March 2010 |title=No Solo KC-X Bid For EADS |url=https://aviationweek.com/no-solo-kc-x-bid-eads |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111023401/https://aviationweek.com/no-solo-kc-x-bid-eads |archive-date=11 January 2024 |website=Aviation Week}} EADS, however announced on 20 April 2010, that it was re-entering the competition on a stand-alone basis and intended to bid the KC-30 with final assembly to take place in Mobile, Alabama as planned under its prior teaming arrangement with Northrop Grumman.{{Cite web |date=20 April 2010 |title=EADS North America Intends to Submit Proposal for U.S. Air Force Tanker |url=https://www.defense-aerospace.com/eads-to-bid-for-us-tanker-contract/ |website=Defense-Aerospace}} On 18 June 2010, the USAF announced that the decision would be delayed until November 2010.{{Cite web |last=Rolph |first=Amy |date=21 June 2010 |title=Air Force delays tanker contract |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/business/air-force-delays-tanker-contract/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111041456/https://www.heraldnet.com/business/air-force-delays-tanker-contract/ |archive-date=11 January 2024 |website=Herald.net}}

On 1 July 2010, a surprise third bidder, consisting of the team of US Aerospace and the Ukrainian manufacturer Antonov announced its intention to bid in the competition. The two firms announced that they would be interested in supplying up to three types of aircraft to the United States Air Force. The types reportedly being offered were the four-engined An-124 and a twin-engined variant of the aircraft, the An-122. The third aircraft to be offered was known as the An-112.{{cite web |author=Bennett |first=John T. |date=2 July 2010 |title=In KC-X Twist, Ukrainian Aircraft Maker, U.S. Aerospace Readying Bid |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4695743&c=EUR&s=AIR |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121082308/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4695743&c=EUR&s=AIR |archive-date=21 January 2013 |website=Defense News}}{{cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |date=2 July 2010 |title=US company partners with Antonov in surprise KC-X bid |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/07/02/343992/us-company-partners-with-antonov-in-surprise-kc-x-bid.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100708032339/http://www.flightglobal.com:80/articles/2010/07/02/343992/us-company-partners-with-antonov-in-surprise-kc-x-bid.html |archive-date=8 July 2010 |access-date=2 July 2010 |website=FlightGlobal}} The An-112 tanker is a version of the Antonov An-70, except with two jet engines. This tanker was proposed in the team's bid.{{Cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |date=5 August 2010 |title=US Aerospace appeals against KC-X exclusion, blames USAF ‘conspiracy’ |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/08/05/345811/us-aerospace-appeals-against-kc-x-exclusion-blames-usaf.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100919151919/http://www.flightglobal.com:80/articles/2010/08/05/345811/us-aerospace-appeals-against-kc-x-exclusion-blames-usaf.html |archive-date=19 September 2010 |website=FlightGlobal}}

By 9 July 2010 bids from Boeing, EADS and US Aerospace/Antonov were submitted to the Air Force.{{Cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |date=9 July 2010 |title=USAF receives three proposals for KC-X, but Antonov team admits concerns |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/07/09/344276/usaf-receives-three-proposals-for-kc-x-but-antonov-team-admits.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101221065048/http://www.flightglobal.com:80/articles/2010/07/09/344276/usaf-receives-three-proposals-for-kc-x-but-antonov-team-admits.html |archive-date=21 December 2010 |website=FlightGlobal}} However, the Air Force rejected the US Aerospace bid for allegedly arriving five minutes after the deadline, which US Aerospace disputed. US Aerospace filed separate protests with the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) on 2 August and 1 September.{{Cite web |last=Butler |first=Amy |date=7 September 2010 |title=U.S. Aerospace Files Second KC-X Protest |url=https://aviationweek.com/us-aerospace-files-second-kc-x-protest |url-access=subscription |website=Aviation Week}} The U.S. Air Force proceeded with source selection while GAO investigated.{{cite web|title=KC-X Bidder Dialogue Begins Despite Protest|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=aerospacedaily&id=news/asd/2010/08/12/01.xml&headline=KC-X%20Bidder%20Dialogue%20Begins%20Despite%20Protest|publisher=AVIATION WEEK|access-date=13 August 2010|author=Amy Butler|date=12 August 2010}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The GAO dismissed U.S. Aerospace's protest on 6 October.{{Cite web |last=Wolf |first=Jim |date=6 October 2010 |title=Auditors reject U.S. Aerospace tanker bid protest |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/tanker-usa-gao-idCNN0627261920101006/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240111042634/https://www.reuters.com/article/tanker-usa-gao-idCNN0627261920101006/ |archive-date=11 January 2024 |website=Reuters}}

In November 2010, the USAF mistakenly sent technical reviews of the other side's bids to each of the two remaining teams.{{Cite web |last=Drew |first=Christopher |date=30 November 2010 |title=Air Force Acts to Fix Error in Tanker Bid |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/01/business/advertisingemail/01tanker.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507023156/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/01/business/advertisingemail/01tanker.html |archive-date=7 May 2021 |website=The New York Times}} At this time contract selection was postponed from late December 2010 until early 2011.{{Cite web |last=Wolf |first=Jim |date=20 November 2010 |title=US Air Force delays tanker pick, mixes up documents |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1921476620101120/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240111042854/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1921476620101120/ |archive-date=11 January 2024 |website=Reuters}}

Boeing and EADS submitted their final bids on 10 February 2011.{{Cite web |last=Gates |first=Dominic |date=11 February 2011 |title=Boeing, EADS submit final bids for Air Force tanker contract |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/boeing-eads-submit-final-bids-for-air-force-tanker-contract/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401183636/https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/boeing-eads-submit-final-bids-for-air-force-tanker-contract/ |archive-date=1 April 2016 |website=The Seattle Times}} On 24 February 2011, Boeing's KC-767 proposal was selected as the winning offer. The tanker will be designated the KC-46A.{{Cite web |last=Eshel |first=Tamir |date=24 February 2011 |title=Boeing Wins the U.S. Air Force KC-X Program |url=https://defense-update.com/20110224_boeing_wins_kcx.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610174233/https://defense-update.com/20110224_boeing_wins_kcx.html |archive-date=10 June 2023 |website=Defense-Update}} EADS North America chairman Ralph Crosby declined to protest the award saying that Boeing's bid was "very, very, very aggressive" and carried a high risk of losing money for the company.{{Cite web |last=Gates |first=Dominic |date=4 March 2011 |title=Rival knocks Boeing’s ‘lowball’ tanker bid |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/rival-knocks-boeings-lowball-tanker-bid/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516143311/https://www.seattletimes.com/business/rival-knocks-boeings-lowball-tanker-bid/ |archive-date=16 May 2022 |website=The Seattle Times}} Loren B. Thompson of the Lexington Institute agreed that Boeing's bid was very aggressive due to the Air Force's fixed-price contract strategy.{{Cite web |last=Munoz |first=Carlo |date=9 January 2012 |title=Hill Questions Boeing Plant Closure |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2012/01/hill-questions-boeing-plant-closure-hearings-possible/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617060005/https://breakingdefense.com/2012/01/hill-questions-boeing-plant-closure-hearings-possible/ |archive-date=17 June 2020 |website=Breaking Defense}}

• KC-Y Bridge Tanker Competition to replace KC-10.{{cite web |title=KC-Y – KC-10 Replacement |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/kc-y.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926015435/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/kc-y.htm |archive-date=26 September 2023 |access-date=11 October 2019 |work=Global Security}} Contenders: KC-46 and Airbus A330 MRTT/Lockheed Martin LMXT. In October 2023, Lockheed Martin withdrew, leaving Airbus to make the bid alone.[https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/10/23/lockheed-drops-us-air-force-tanker-bid-partner-airbus-to-go-it-alone/ Lockheed drops US Air Force tanker bid; partner Airbus to go it alone], Stephen Losey, Defense News, 2023-10-24
• KC-Z (Next Generation Air-Refueling System (NGAS)) to replace KC-135Rs{{cite web |last=Insinna |first=Valerie |date=29 November 2016 |title=KC-Y Competition Still Under Consideration as Air Force Works to Define Future Tanker Fleet |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2016/11/29/kc-y-competition-still-under-consideration-as-air-force-works-to-define-future-tanker-fleet/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171031063042/https://www.defensenews.com/air/2016/11/29/kc-y-competition-still-under-consideration-as-air-force-works-to-define-future-tanker-fleet/ |archive-date=31 October 2017 |work=Defense News}} with possible stealth characteristics{{cite web |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |date=20 August 2018 |title=Lockheed Martin Is Crafting New Stealth and Drone Tanker Concepts for the USAF |url=http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/23723/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629090858/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/23723/lockheed-martin-is-crafting-new-stealth-and-drone-tanker-concepts-for-the-usaf |archive-date=29 June 2023 |work=The Drive}}{{cite web |last=Hitchens |first=Theresa |date=1 February 2023 |title=Air Force wants its next-gen tanker flying by 2040 |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/air-force-wants-its-next-gen-tanker-flying-by-2040/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816225225/https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/air-force-wants-its-next-gen-tanker-flying-by-2040/ |archive-date=16 August 2023 |work=Breaking Defense}}{{cite web |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |date=26 January 2023 |title=Stealthy Tanker-Transport Aircraft Concept Unveiled By Boeing |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/stealthy-tanker-transport-aircraft-concept-unveiled-by-boeing |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928085430/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/stealthy-tanker-transport-aircraft-concept-unveiled-by-boeing |archive-date=28 September 2023 |work=The Drive}}

There were three different bids proposed in July 2010. EADS proposed the Airbus A330 MRTT/KC-30, Boeing proposed the KC-767, while the Antonov/US Aerospace team's bid was the An-112KC.

• Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft competition for British replacement aircraft
• McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender from the Advanced Tanker Cargo Aircraft Program, with a similar role, but with a greater fuel capacity
• List of United States military aerial refueling aircraft

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=e65e1ab7f225d6454f5fa8a10556cbfa&tab=core&_cview=1 KC-X Tanker Modernization Program (FA8625-10-R-6600) – 2010 RFP version]
• [https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=24c7f8cf2d37973e54f0ac1429357eb5&tab=core&_cview=1 KC-X Tanker Modernization Program (FA8625-10-R-6600-SpecialNotice) – 2009 RFP version]
• [https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=b2bc31b7078a964855d2d5c76215582d&tab=core&_cview=1 KC-X Aerial Refueling Tanker Aircraft (FA8625-07-R-6470) – 2007 RFP version]

{{DEFAULTSORT:KC-X}}

Category:Military aircraft procurement programs of the United States