US company parnters with Antonov in surprise KC-X bid

They will never get it. First it an Antonov, so you know it is a crapy plane. Second, every one knows Boeing is the shoe-in to get the contract.

Would be interesting to see their design ideas. Antonov may not be the most efficient aircraft around, but they are definately unique in there design.

papa91, the An-2, 124, and 225 are on line 3. They tell me they're very upset.

Well, you have to have at least 3 to bring in to bring alittle competition...should be interesting to see the outcome of this one, meanwhile guess what other country is watching this?

You are brain dead if you think the Yanks are going to let anyone except Boeing have this contract. Boeing's union is too strong and powerful in Washington. The Airbus is 3 times the machine at less price yet look what happened. You think it will be any different with Antonov which is a great AC. Protectionism rules here.

To me, a cardinal rule for Air Forces in the world, is to be equipped with aircraft built and supported in their countries. International politics are impossible to predict and a country like the USA just cannot afford to depend on the whims of any other nation to keep their military airplanes flying!
USAF contracts should not be open to foreign companies unless they are for equipment not directly involved with their ability to perform their duties in the defense our country.
Call it what you will, but that is the naked truth!!!