WICHITA (AP) – 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 Corporation has partnered with Brazil-based aircraft manufacturer Embraer to offer its Super Tucano.

The planes would give the Afghan National Army Air Corp. a fixed-wing strike capability.