SEATTLE, Jan. 15, 2009 -- Boeing has completed the first aerial refuelings of a 737 platform. The historic flights were conducted for Australia's Project Wedgetail, an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) program. Shown here is the 737-700 Wedgetail aircraft receiving fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 tanker during a flight over Edwards Air Force Base in California. The aircraft also was refueled by an Air Force KC-10 tanker. (Photo from Boeing)From AFP:
WASHINGTON (AFP) — The US Defense Department said Friday it opposed a key lawmaker's proposal this week to split in two a 35-billion-dollar plan to replace the Pentagon's aging fleet of in-air refueling tankers.
"Defense Secretary Robert Gates' position on a split buy is clear to all involved. He thinks it is impractical and inefficient and he is adamantly opposed to it," said Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell.
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My Comment: Def. Sec. of Defense Gates and the Pentagon may be opposed to the dual tanker deal, but the politicians who have control on the budget differ.
If there is one thing that I have learned about Washington, it is always the politicians who control the budget that have the real power .... not the Secretary of Defense.
A dual tanker arrangement is what is going to happen.