Posted on 04/08/2010 6:27:15 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Europe's EADS would likely choose L-3 Communications Holdings Inc as a key supplier, should it decide to challenge Boeing Co for a U.S. aerial refueling contract worth up to $50 billion, according to analysts and sources following the matter.
"Based on what we know today -- and things can change -- it appears that L-3 seems to be the likely subcontractor," Scott Hamilton of Leeham Co said, noting that there is a large faction within EADS that wants to move ahead with a bid.
Analysts say a strong agreement could help EADS in what is seen as an uphill battle against Boeing, maker of the current fleet of KC-135 aerial refueling tankers, especially given simmering protectionist sentiment among U.S. lawmakers.
EADS, the parent company of Airbus, has been in discussions with several companies, including L-3, Raytheon Co and the U.S. unit of Britain's BAE Systems Plc .
But BAE Systems, which owned 20 percent of Airbus until 2006, is not joining the EADS team, said industry sources not authorized to speak on the record. BAE declined comment.
Massachusetts-based Raytheon also has no plans to join an EADS bid, company spokesman Jonathan Kasle said.
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
Why not. L-3 was partner with Alenia on the C-27J Spartan.
And...as a no-cost bonus, the Airbus tanker will contain the same pitot airspeed sensors as used on that ill fated Atlantic airliner. (They can get them really, really cheap.)
Yup.
L-3 ping
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