Top Five Reasons Lockheed Martin Believes It Can Beat Boeing In The Next Round Of Tanker Competition (From Forbes)

The Air Force is embarking on the second round of competition in a multi-decade effort to replace its aging tanker fleet.  Lockheed Martin has teamed with Airbus to offer an alternative to the Boeing KC-46 tanker that won the first round. It will likely require some heavy lifting to displace Boeing from its current incumbency, but Lockheed believes its LMXT tanker-transport can do the job. First, LMXT provides unprecedented range and carrying capacity for Pacific operations. Second, LMXT is derived from an Airbus tanker that has already proved its multirole capabilities. Third, LMXT will be ready from day one to fuel a host of joint and allied military aircraft. Fourth, LMXT design features deliver unique versatility and growth potential. Finally, LMXT will be assembled and modified on U.S. soil by American workers. I have written a commentary for Forbes here.