The Seattle Times takes what seems to be a fair look at the bidding between two aeronautic titans.
Roaring back into the Air Force tanker competition, executives at Airbus parent company EADS said Tuesday they plan to offer the U.S. a bigger, more capable refueling tanker. And they claim they'll do that for a cheaper price than Boeing.The article goes on mention some of the flaws of the EADS bid, but misses a big one. That's where Dan Riehl, who reminds us, via Tacoma News Tribune, helps us out.
The renewed competition will increase pressure on Boeing to lower the proposed price for its forthcoming bid on the estimated $40 billion contract, which could mean thousands of jobs here.
Britain's new fleet of Airbus A330-based aerial tankers can't refuel warplanes over Afghanistan or other war zones because they're unequipped to fly in "high threat environments," a British publication says.On top of that, the Boeing bid will provide more jobs for Americans. Competition might look good on paper, but a bad bid still could win out. Members of Congress don't always make the smart choice.
The Mail said the tankers need armor, antimissile systems and early warning electronics to allow them to operate in hostile environments. Equipping the 14 Airbus tankers with that equipment would cost British taxpayers millions more, a report from Britain's National Audit Office said.
Related posts:
British won't use Airbus tanker for Afghanistan, can't handle “high threat environments”
Airbus looks to rebid on Air Force tanker--as WTO scolds EU for illegal subsidies to it
Hot air from France on Air Force tanker deal
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