The multi-year, multi-billion dollar, multi-role KC-X Tanker contract could be awarded as early as today, following a meeting of the Pentagon's Defense Acquisition Board (DAB) responsible for signing off on the plan for the United States Air Force's 179 new aerial tankers.

The initial contract for either Boeing 767 or Northrop Grumman/EADS/Airbus A330 aircraft is worth up to $40 billion, with follow on contracts that could total as much as $100 billion.

According to industry analysts, Boeing is thought to be the odds-on favorite for the tanker deal. A lot is at stake for both manufacturers including the future of the 767 line in Everett, as well the potential establishment of a tanker/freighter production line in Mobile, AL for Northrop Grumman, EADS and Airbus.

FlightBlogger will be following the Tanker deal developments throughout the week.

Read the complete post at http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/flightblogger/2008/02/tanker-decision-imminent-1.html