Boom time for contractors?

[unhappycamper]

The Navy and Marine Corps have used contractors for refueling during training missions since 2001, but the Air Force will solicit proposals for the first time next year.


Boom time for contractors?
By Bruce Rolfsen - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Dec 14, 2008 10:12:40 EST

With the KC-X tanker years away from arriving on flight lines, the Air Force is looking at hiring private companies to fly aerial refueling missions.

While the idea is new to the Air Force, the Navy and Marine Corps began using a contractor to refuel fighters during training missions in 2001. The British, Canadian and Australian militaries also have used private tankers for non-combat missions.

Details of how the Air Force would use contract refueling are still in development.

Air Force acquisition officials declined to talk with Air Force Times. In a written statement from the Air Staff’s acquisition directorate, officials said the service anticipates using the private tankers at first to refuel jets on missions within the U.S. and later expand to international operations, but not combat zones. The initial program would last five years, giving the service time to learn how contract refueling fits into the Air Force scheme. There is no assurance the program would go beyond five years.

The Air Force sits down with potential contractors Dec. 16 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, for what the service calls an “industry day” — a time for company and Air Force officials to talk without making formal commitments.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/12/airforce_contract_refuelingtanker_121408/%2e