Boeing decision holds $339M for CT

Connecticut seeks to gain $339 million in economic impact if the U.S. Air Force awards Boeing an aerial refueling jet aircraft contract.

The $35-billion Air Force contract would tickle down to six Connecticut suppliers and vendors Boeing plans to use to develop its NewGen Tanker.

Jet-engine maker Pratt & Whitney, headquartered in East Hartford, won the subcontract on Friday to put its PW4062 engine into Boeing's NewGen Tanker.

The NewGen Tanker is in competition with the European aerospace company EADS for a $35-billion Air Force contract for the refueling jet. Boeing submitted its bid on Friday while EADS submitted its bid on Thursday, the Associated Press reports.

The Pentagon has tried for almost a decade to award the contract. But previous attempts have failed over contractor disputes, Air Force errors, and criminal cases involving officials at the Pentagon and Boeing.

The Air Force hopes to choose a contractor by November.

For all its various projects, Boeing works with 253 suppliers and vendors in Connecticut, resulting in an estimated $1.1 billion in annual economic impact.

If the U.S. Air Force chooses the NewGen tanker, Boeing plans to use six Connecticut suppliers for the development, including Pratt & Whitney.

The other Connecticut companies are Bethel-based Eaton to develop sensors, indicators, meters and switches; Hamilton Sundstrand in Windsor Locks to handle the electrical power generation system and the environmental control system; Cheshire-based Microtech to produce waveguides; Roller Bearing Co. of America, based in Fairfield and Torrington to supply bearings; and West Hartford-based United Tool & Die to develop metallic tube and duct assemblies.