EADS North America released this press release today relative to their decision to bid on the KC-X contract.

EADS North America Intends to Submit Proposal for U.S. Air Force Tanker

ARLINGTON, VA — (Marketwire) — 04/20/10 — EADS North America announced today that it intends to submit a proposal on July 9, 2010 for the U.S. Air Force’s tanker modernization program and will offer the KC-45 — the most capable, American-built solution that is flown, proven and in production now.

EADS North America is progressing in discussions with potential U.S. partners to build a winning team in order to provide the most capable, best value solution to the Air Force.

The KC-45 is the only aircraft flying today that meets the U.S. Air Force’s tanker requirements as outlined in its KC-X Request for Proposal (RFP). The KC-45 builds on the EADS-based tanker that was previously selected in 2008 by the Department of Defense and that has won the last five consecutive tanker competitions worldwide.

“We will offer a modern, more capable tanker in response to the Defense Department’s decision to encourage competition for this major taxpayer investment,” said EADS North America Chairman Ralph D. Crosby, Jr. “Our KC-45 is the only real, flying, low-risk solution that today meets the demanding Air Force air refueling requirements and is actually in production now. That fact is critical because our warfighters deserve a true best value solution.”

EADS North America will build and modify the KC-45, along with A330 commercial freighters, at an EADS North America/Airbus production facility to be constructed in Mobile, Alabama. The KC-45 program and aircraft production/modification center will create and support tens of thousands of high-value American jobs while making a long-term investment in the nation’s economy at a time when other aerospace companies are outsourcing production overseas.

“This tanker competition is all about the warfighter and the aircraft that most successfully meets their requirements. The KC-45 offers what the Air Force needs today: a modern military tanker that is in production now with deliveries beginning this year,” said Sean O’Keefe, EADS North America Chief Executive Officer. “Not only does the KC-45 offer the best value and a huge capability advantage over the competition, it also will support tens of thousands of jobs across America by expanding our nation’s industrial aerospace capacity.”

The KC-45 is the U.S. military version of the proven A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). To date 28 aircraft have been ordered by four U.S. allies. The MRTT has transferred more than 265,000 lbs. of fuel to a range of military aircraft — from F-16 and F/A-18 fighters to the E-3 AWACS — using the same refueling systems offered on the KC-45.

“Our aircraft has demonstrated its unparalleled capability by refueling a variety of military aircraft utilizing both boom and hose and drogue systems, as well as by operating in the receiving position. That’s a statement our competition can’t make,” said Crosby.

The Royal Australian Air Force will receive the first A330 MRTTs later this year. Additional aircraft are in production or undergoing mission-equipment outfitting for the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

“We’re progressing forward in discussions to expand the ranks of our nearly 200 current U.S. suppliers, some of which are joining us for today’s announcement,” continued O’Keefe.

At the heart of the KC-45 is the most capable aerial refueling system operating today. The aircraft’s fly-by-wire Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS) has a demonstrated fuel offload rate of 1,200 U.S. gallons per minute — the only system which meets the U.S. Air Force’s requirements without further modification. The system’s proven all-electric fly-by-wire technology ensures enhanced controllability and safety that greatly aids the boom operator and receiver aircraft’s pilot.

The KC-45 also carries an all-digital hose and drogue system for probe-equipped aircraft. The under-wing refueling pods are the most modern in service today, with the capability to deliver up to 420 gallons of fuel per minute through 90-ft.-long hoses at refueling speeds from 180 to 325 knots. The KC-45 will also feature a modern fuselage refueling unit, common with that of allied MRTT users such as the United Kingdom.

About EADS North America
EADS North America is the North American operation of EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over $11 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 200,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers and services. Operating in 17 states, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.

Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) issued a press release today criticizing Washington Congressman Norm Dicks (D-WA) for his comments basically telling EADS (EADS:P) not to attempt to bid on the KC-X contract.

In the release Sessions makes clear his desire for competition in the tanker contract while continuing to support EADS who have proposed assembling the Airbus 330 aircraft in Mobile, AL. Sessions writes: “Defense companies should understand that, contrary to Representative Dick’s comments, the majority of members in the House and Senate want a robust competition engineered not to benefit a single company, but to produce the best airplane for the war fighter.”

In Sessions view having EADS submit a bid along with Boeing (BA) will only strengthen the program. The award of what will amount to a sole-source contract to Boeing if EADS or another company does not bid will be a difficult process for the Air Force leaving many different avenues for criticism. This is especially true if Boeing has their struggles down the road.

It seems that EADS North America the subsidiary of the EADS (EADS:P) is searching for a U.S. company to partner with them on the KC-X tanker contract. Reports are that L-3 Communications (LLL) had been the prime target for this role but now they are rethinking that role.

EADS had planned to be a sub-contractor to Northrop Grumman (NOC) providing A330 aircraft that would then be militarized by Northrop. Now they are planning on being the prime contractor with a U.S. company to aid them. The roles are different enough that it will put pressure on EADS to prepare most of the proposal themselves as well as provide most of the contract management. With their history so far in the U.S. that might be a bit too much for them.

Military Leaders Press Obama to Act On Defense Contract

Further Delays Put Our War fighters in Jeopardy

WASHINGTON, April 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Twelve members of the National Defense Trust (NDT) today sent a letter to President Barack Obama expressing concern over the ongoing delays and political maneuvering preventing the Air Force from awarding the contract to build the next generation of aerial refueling tankers. The letter was signed by retired military officers, leaders of think tanks focusing on national defense, and a former US Senator. A copy of the letter was sent to every Member of Congress.

The current fleet of refueling tankers is five decades old and have been in service since the Korean War. Efforts to build new planes that support military aircraft has been ongoing for nearly a decade and the contracts have been canceled due to controversy and scandal.

The latest Request for Proposal was released several months ago with one of the bidders, the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), withdrawing from the competition. However, after pressure from EADS and the government of France, the Pentagon extended the deadline for two months.

The National Defense Trust’s members believe it is critical that the delays, particularly those that are politically motivated, cease, allowing the military to focus on procuring the planes needed for a strong national defense. As a result of the most recent delay in the process, NDT members have sent this letter to Commander in Chief Obama and Members of Congress. The letter reads in part:

Delays often beget delays. Our war fighters deserve new tankers delivered as quickly as possible, and we see no valid reason to postpone the tanker acquisition process any longer. We urge you to resist further efforts to stall the long-overdue process of procuring and building the next fleet of refueling tankers our men and women in uniform need and deserve.

The National Defense Trust is a coalition of Americans dedicated to a robust defense of the United States and our allies.

Source: National Defense Trust

The World Trade Organization (WTO) which is expected to announce formally its ruling against EADS (EADS:P) for receiving illegal subsidies to support Airbus airliners and is also considering a complaint against the U.S. and Boeing (BA) announced that it does not intervene in military contracts and cannot be involved in the KC-X dispute between the U.S. and Europe.

The chance of France or the E.U. filing a complaint over the terms of the proposal which are seen as limiting EADS chances to bid seems remote. Certainly President Sarkozy of France has raised the issue with President Obama. The Air Force has extended the deadline for proposal submission sixty days to allow EADS to submit a proposal if they want.

Recently according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Congressman Norm Dicks (D-WA) addressed a local union meeting. Dicks is now the Chair of the defense appropriations sub-committee due to the death of Congressman Murtha (D-PA). This is the place where the defense budget begins its process for approval in the Congress.

Dicks supposedly talked about the new KC-X Tanker contract expressing concern that the U.S. Air Force would make allowances for EADS (EADS:P) to help them be able to bid. Dicks hoped that EADS would not bid leaving the way open for Boeing to win the deal.

Since right now Dicks controls how the entire Air Force budget is built it behooves the service to listen to him. At the same time they want a modicum of competition for the the third attempt to buy this key aircraft. Dicks represents a state that relies on Boeing (BA) to provide lots of good union jobs. He should support them — but not to the point of influencing the Air Force’s decision. Source selection should be based on what contract proposal best meets the requirements at the best price. Sole sourcing a contract of this size historically has led to cost and schedule overruns.

That doesn’t mean that Boeing will not be able to deliver, just a consideration that must be taken by everyone: Defense officials, industry and Congress.

Here is the latest post I wrote for BNET: Government –

“When Northrop Grumman (NOC) announced in March that it would not bid for the new aerial tanker for the U.S. Air Froce, the KC-X, Boeing (BA) and its many supporters in Congress believed it was sure to get the $35 billion contract. Now the deadline to bid has been extended 60 days to allow the European aerospace giant, EADS (EADS:P), to submit a proposal.

There are already reports that EADS, which would seek to provide A330 airliners made by its subsidiary, Airbus, to be modified into the tankers, is talking to other defense contractors about partnering.”

The rest may be found here.

Reports are starting to emerge that EADS (EADS:P) and its subsidiary, EADS-North America, are discussing teaming arrangements with other defense contractors to support bidding on the KC-X RFP. The deadline has now been extended until July by the Department of Defense. Supposedly L-3 Communications (L3) is considered the front runner for this work. There is still no definite confirmation that EADS will launch a bid after previous partner Northrop Grumman (NOC) decided not to participate in this the third round of bidding for the Air Force’s new aerial tanker.

Supposedly EADS talked to Raytheon (RTN) and BAE Systems (BAE:L) about this contract. Both of these companies reportedly expressed little interest. BAE Systems is already a partner in EADS as a whole and would stand to gain some work if the A330 made by Airbus is selected by the Air Force. Raytheon has not led an effort to make a large aircraft like this but obviously has strong system integration and engineering experience. L-3 does work on aircraft and purchased Raytheon’s aircraft integration unit several years ago.

If EADS is going to bid teaming with another large, preferably American, contractor makes the most sense. They will help work with the customer using their experience with the U.S. military. That is why the original plan with Nothrop made so much sense.

EADS North America released a statement last night about the sixty day extension granted for KC-X proposals. They stated:

“Since the Department of Defense indicated their interest in EADS’ participation as prime contractor in the KC-X tanker competition, the company has carefully assessed the many requirements necessary to participate. We have firmly indicated that a 90-day extension would be the minimum time necessary to prepare a responsible proposal for this $40 billion program. We will consider the Department’s decision to offer a 60-day extension.”

This seems to indicate that EADS may still have given themselves an option not to participate by claiming the need for ninety days vice sixty.

Reported French President Sarkozy discussed the KC-X RFP with President Obama yesterday. He expressed concerns about the requirements and how EADS (EADS:P) would bid if the process could be considered fair. The Air Force is now announcing that they will extend the deadline to submit proposals a further two months to allow EADS to bid if they want.

Boeing (BA) and its supporters in Congress will not be happy with the move. Many had already asked the Pentagon not to delay the deadline. Even if EADS ends up not putting together a proposal this will add a few months to the time line to get a contract awarded. If they do it then raises the chance of a protest related to the source selection which in the worst case will require a fourth competition.

While there would have been issues with a sole source award to Boeing that process should be shorter then one with multiple bidders.