As we await the GAO's decision this week on Boeing's challengeto Northrop Grumman's tanker win, Randy H. writes:
"What's missing from your analysis is the fact that Boeing got arrogant and NGC came in and took that contract away. Northrop Grumman was going to pull out of the competition because the RFP (request for proposals) read like the award was signed sealed and delivered to Boeing. The government updated the RFP to level the playing field, but according to Boeing's spin machine, it 'favored' Northrop Grumman. Well, Duh! If I were Boeing execs I wouldn't want the RFP leveled either...Boeing's arrogance lost that contract...I contend the award will stick."

Geoff M. takes issue with my reference to the current aging tankers as "buckets of bolts":
"...the KC-135 aircraft has served honorably and will likely to continue to serve honorably even if this deal goes through. There aren't enough new tankers to go around. Second, the current KC-135 is hardly a 'flying bucket of bolts.' It has been modernized with new engines, new cockpit, new wiring, significant structural mods, etc. etc. which make it newer in many ways than brand new aircraft rolling off the production line...the men and woman who fly and maintain these aircraft don't typically view them as 'buckets of bolts.' These men and women take pride in their aircraft and you are disrespecting them by disrespecting one of the best maintained aircraft in the world."