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"Previously, Boeing maintained that the 767 was the best replacement for the aging tanker fleet. But Washington watchdog groups have suggested that position was more about keeping orders flowing to Boeing's endangered 767 production line than meeting the Air Force's tanker needs.

The Air Force isn't expected to put out its revised tanker-bid requirements until early next year.

Until then, Boeing and EADS are waging a public relations battle.

EADS has announced that it would build an assembly facility for its tanker in Mobile, Ala., a state with two powerful Republican senators.

On Tuesday, Boeing said its 767 tanker "could support significantly more U.S. aerospace jobs than any other competitor" because it draws from direct and indirect suppliers with 1,000 locations in more than 40 states."

I was in the Air Force on KC-10's when this boondoggle was shot down. Don't get me wrong. It is a great airplane. Just like Cadillac is a great car. The trouble was a lease for pretty much the life of the airplane with no discernible return benefits.

Like I said Cadillacs are great but no one would lease one under the provisions of paying for all the maintanence in addition to that which the person does himself on the car. That is pretty much the deal Boeing was pushing.