Northrop Grumman Corp and Europe's EADS.

[Ozme52]

I agree that protectionism is wrong... and that's exactly why EADS (Airbus) shouldn't be awarded the contract. Their ability to undercut Boeing's bid is, in part, due to government subsidies. Historically... French subsidies... and awarding any US military contract to a French company... well it grates on me. France has a history of ignoring US manufactured aircraft for no other reason than not 'Made in France'. Regardless of price. So why should we accommodate them in any manner?

As far as quality is concerned... time will tell.

Boeing rocks in comparison to what Airbus produces commerically... but that's strictly a lay opinion.

And... there is apparently a question as to whether the Northrop-EADS bid meets the Airforce's stated needs. If Northrop convinced the Airforce to select them on grounds that are different than what the Airforce put in their 'request for bid' then by the rules... everyone must be allowed to bid on the new conditions...