In late February, the U.S. military awarded a new contract to Northrop Grumman to build new air refueling tanker planes. The contract was hotly pursued by both Northrop and its competitor, Boeing.
Claiming that it did not receive a fair evaluation by the military, Boeing has filed a protest claim to the Government Accountability Office. The aviation giant says that its air refueling tanker is a better choice than Northrop Grumman's model.
The protest had forced Northrop Grumman to halt work on its $35 billion contract until June while the GAO reviews the Air Force's selection process. The two companies are also in a public relations battle in Congress, which may override the Air Force's decision.
Two retired generals, who work as consultants for either company, answered your questions on the tanker contract debate.
Retired Gen. Gregory Martin is currently a Northrop Grumman consultant. He was the commander of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. The command conducted research, development and other necessary support to keep the Air Force weapon systems ready for war.
Retired Gen. Ronald Fogleman is currently a consultant for Boeing. He commanded the U.S. tanker and cargo fleet and served as Air Force Chief of Staff from 1994-1997.
