General presses Pentagon for new tankers

General presses Pentagon for new tankers
By Donna Borak - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Sep 4, 2008 5:48:15 EDT

WASHINGTON — A high-ranking Air Force official on Wednesday pressed the Pentagon to expedite the award of a disputed $35 billion contract for new aerial refueling tankers so the service can retire Eisenhower-era aircraft.

Gen. Arthur Lichte, who runs Air Mobility Command, told reporters that either aircraft offered by Boeing Co. or Northrop Grumman Corp. were capable of the mission, but urged a quick decision to avoid placing further strain on the service’s already aging aircraft.

“I don’t care which tanker wins,” said Lichte. “I just need a new tanker.”

The four-star general said if the program is delayed by another year or more, the Air Force will be forced to fly some its current fleet past 2040, which would make those planes at least 80 years old.

A Pentagon spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/09/ap_tanker_lichte_090308/%2e