By Associated Press
Undated, WA – Boeing has unveiled a newly redesigned K-C-767 as its proposed aircraft for a 40 (b) billion dollar Air Force contract competition to replace 179 refueling planes. The Chicago-based company tweaked its 767 design to improve fuel efficiency, among other factors, to beat rival Northrop Grumman, which is expected to offer its KC-30, a modified Airbus A-330, at a discounted price. If Northrop's bid is successful, the tankers could be built at Mobile's Brookley Industrial Complex. At stake for both competitors is a multiyear contract to replace a portion of the military's older fleet of K-C-135 aircraft.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)