Air Force Seeks More From Fuel Tankers

Competition for the contract to build a new aerial refueling tanker probably won't start until 2007 because the military wants a plane that can carry cargo, reconnaissance sensors and troops as well as fuel, Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne said.

Chicago-based Boeing Co. and a team of Munich- and Paris-based European Aeronautic, Defense & Space Co., the parent of Airbus, and Century City-based Northrop Grumman Corp. have announced plans to compete.

Wynne's remarks are the latest update on efforts to revive the tanker program. They indicate the Air Force is eyeing expanded missions for its flying gas stations to maximize their use as budget pressures threaten cutbacks in other programs.