Northrop/EADS To Tweek Tanker Bid

This tanker contest will be the most talked-about aerospace contract for the next year or so.

EADS, Northrop May Have To Tweak Tanker Bid

PARIS (Dow Jones)--European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co NV (EAD.FR) and its U.S. partner, Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC), may have to revise their proposal for a U.S. military airborne refuelling tanker to take into account new technical requirements from the Pentagon, EADS' chief executive officer said Monday.

EADS and Northrop Grumman have teamed up to try to win a $40 billion contract to supply 179 airborne refuelling tankers against U.S. rival Boeing Co (BA). The Pentagon issued a new request for proposals for a plane, provisionally dubbed the KC-X, to replace its ageing fleet of KC-135 tankers.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of an event, Louis Gallois said the new requirements involve the mission systems capability of the aircraft that will win the contest some time next year.