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Air Force: KC-X tanker to make first flight in 2012

Published 10:29 am Friday, February 26, 2010

By Michelle Dunlop Herald Writer

The Air Force just released its final request for proposals for its $35 billion tanker contest this week.

But Air Force officials already expect their new tanker to make its first flight in 2012.

That is, of course, if the contest between Boeing Co. and duo Northrop Grumman and EADS goes smoothly. So far, the Air Force has taken nine years and has made three attempts at replacing 179 of its Eisenhower-era KC-135 tankers.

Should the Air Force award its $35 billion contract later this year as planned, and no protest is launched, then the agency expects to see seven new tankers in production in 2013, reports Air Force Times.

Highlights from the Air Force’s tanker schedule:

  • 2012: KC-X first flight
  • 2013: Seven KC-X tankers in production
  • 2015: Delivery of first tanker to Air Force
  • 2017: Air Force will have 18 new tankers and will put the first into refueling missions.

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