WICHITA, Kan. - An Air Force decision on who will win a more than $350 million contract to build 20 aircraft for use in Afghanistan is expected sometime next week.
     The decision comes at a crucial time for Wichita-based Beechcraft, formerly Hawker Beechcraft. It emerged from bankruptcy protection this week.
     The high-stakes "light air support" contract could ultimately be worth nearly $1 billion, depending on future orders.
     Beechcraft spokeswoman Nicole Alexander told The Wichita Eagle that the company had expected a decision Friday, but has been told there has been a slight delay.
     Beechcraft has proposed its AT-6 attack plane. Sierra Nevada Corp. has partnered with Brazil-based Embraer to offer its Super Tucano.
     The planes would give the Afghan National Army Air Corp. a fixed-wing strike capability.