For previous updates, see our Newsletter Archive.
Issue 14 – June 14, 2007
In this issue of the EADS North America Tanker Activity Update:
EADS rolls out the Royal Australian Air Force's first refueling-equipped KC-30B Tanker
The Royal Australian Air Force’s first KC-30B Multi-role Tanker/Transport has rolled out equipped with its in-flight refueling system, marking a major milestone in EADS’ development of the world’s most advanced aerial tanker platform.
Tuesday’s rollout clears the way for a series of flight validation tests, including refueling contacts with a variety of receiver aircraft, prior to the KC-30B’s delivery to the Royal Australian Air Force’s 33 Squadron.
This Australian KC-30B is the first of five aircraft for a key ally, and is further evidence of EADS’ ability to build and deliver the capable tanker/transports. In addition, its high degree of commonality with the Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker ensures a low-risk approach in the competition to recapitalize the U.S. Air Force’s aging KC-135 tanker fleet.
The Royal Australian Air Force’s KC-30B is equipped with EADS’ fly-by-wire Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS), along with two underwing hose and drogue refueling pods. The advanced centerline boom and underwing pod combination enables the Royal Australian Air Force to support its own fighters, airlifters and AWACS assets, while also offering full aerial refueling compatibility with other U.S., NATO and allied military aircraft.
EADS’ all-electric ARBS provides highly accurate, reliable in-flight refueling, with a maximum nominal fuel flow rate of 1,200 U.S. gallons per minute. A high resolution, panoramic and 3D-vision surveillance system enables the boom operator to remotely control boom operations from the cockpit during air-to-air refueling during daylight or nighttime operations.
The KC-30 is derived from the highly popular A330 jetliner. To date, more than 700 A330s have been ordered for civil, military and government customers, and the aircraft’s production rate is increasing to meet a growing international demand.
In addition to its acquisition by the Royal Australian Air Force, the A330-based tanker has been ordered by the United Arab Emirates, and is selected by Britain for the Royal Air Force’s replacement of its VC10 and TriStar tanker/transport fleet. This marks the aircraft’s sweep of all recent international competitions for next-generation aerial refueling aircraft.
Germany's A310 MRTT is delivered by EADS equipped with new mission avionics for aerial refueling
EADS has delivered the first of four German Air Force A310 Multi-Role Tanker Transports (MRTT) outfitted and certified with a new military mission avionics package.
This milestone helps clear the way for the A310 MRTTs’ allocation to the NATO Reaction Forces, where the aircraft will support a full range of aerial refueling and transport needs for Germany and NATO allies. It follows EADS’ delivery of the first of two similarly-equipped A310 multi-role airlifters to the Canadian Forces.
“EADS has once again demonstrated its ability to provide highly capable, mission-ready aircraft for the most demanding military aerial refueling and transport missions,” said EADS North America Chairman and CEO Ralph D. Crosby, Jr. “The German and Canadian A310 MRTTs will be joined in the future by EADS’ KC-30/A330 MRTT – which already has been selected by Australia, Britain and the United Arab Emirates, and is being proposed by the Northrop Grumman/EADS team for the recapitalization of the U.S. Air Force’s aging tanker inventory.”
Both the German and Canadian A310 MRTTs carry a pair of underwing hose and drogue refueling pods, and are configured to provide tanker support for probe-equipped military aircraft. A refueling operator’s station is located in the cabin behind the cockpit.
Equipment incorporated in the newly-installed avionics package includes a mission computer subsystem for planning and in-flight management of refueling missions (towline and trail missions), as well as a digital TACAN with air-to-air and beacon functions, plus digital V/UHF and DF for communications/navigation. The integrated radio suite is managed by a digital centralized radio control system.
The German Air Force operates a total of seven A310s, four of which are allocated for tanker and airlift duties, while the other three are utilized in passenger and VIP transport roles. They are assigned to the Flugbereitschaft BMVg (Special Wing Command) at Cologne Bonn Airport.
Aerial Refueling Boom System testbed aircraft will be demonstrated at the 2007 Paris Air Show
EADS’ Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS) testbed aircraft will be brought to next week’s 2007 Paris Air Show, and is to participate in the flying display at this important gathering of the defense and aerospace sectors.
The A310 has logged more than 100 flight hours to confirm the ARBS’ capabilities, evaluating the boom in a full range of deployment conditions. Future flights will be used for fuel transfers with a variety of receiver aircraft.
The Paris Air Show is held at Le Bourget Airport, and will run from June 18 to June 24.
Contact:
Guy Hicks
Vice President – Communications and Public Relations
EADS North America
Tel: 703 236-3300
e-mail: guy.hicks@eads-na.com
