Northrop Grumman, EADS in Tanker Contest

Northrop Grumman Corp. of Century City and partner European Aeronautic Defense & Space Co. formally entered a competition to supply new refueling tankers to the Air Force.

The two companies said they would propose a version of a plane now made by EADS and would assemble it at a plant under construction in Mobile, Ala. The plane would be called the KC-30, they said.

Boeing Co., whose previous contract for the tankers was canceled in the wake of a conflict-of-interest scandal, also is expected to compete.

The Pentagon has said it expects to award the contract next year. Tankers are used to refuel bombers, fighters and other planes in the air.