Boeing Looking to Significantly Modify Tanker Bid

Well, this is a breath of unexpected common sense.

Basically, they are currently looking at replacing their original bid with a 777 derivative, or replacing their current bid, a 767-200ERX, with a 767-400 derivative.

The latter would be less involved, but it would also have tail strike issues, and so would likely have less rotation angle and require a longer takeoff run.

If Boeing asks for more time for this, and my guess is that they would, it is likely that they would get the time requested, which means that the final decision would be pushed into the next administration.