US Aerospace has teamed up with Antonov to bid for the US Air Force’s new-generation aerial tanker competition, which is worth approximately $50bn.

US Aerospace requested that the Pentagon allows a 60-day extension for it to prepare its bid, which was expected by 16 June 2010, according to Reuters.

Antonov will modify an existing military cargo plane, which will include a rear cargo door, a more stable airframe, and be capable of landing on dirt runways for the tanker competition.

US Aerospace will offer its AN-124-KC, AN-122-KC and AN-112-KC models to be built by Antonov in Ukraine with final assembly in the US.