For previous updates, see our Newsletter Archive.
Issue 16 – June 22, 2007
In this issue of the EADS North America Tanker Activity Update:
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EADS highlights its aerial refueling capabilities at the 2007 Paris |
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The KC-30B meets the press at Le Bourget |
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The A330’s commercial success is boosted by new airline orders |
EADS highlights its aerial refueling capabilities at the 2007 Paris Air Show
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The 2007 Paris Air Show is providing an opportunity for EADS to showcase its aerial tanker capabilities, underscoring the company’s air-to-air refueling experience and technologies with the presence of three different tanker systems.
Leading the EADS participation at Le Bourget is the no. 1 Royal Australian Air Force KC-30B Multi-role Tanker/Transport, which is equipped with the company’s advanced Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS), along with two underwing hose and drogue refueling pods.
Joining the KC-30B at the Paris Air Show is the first of four German Air Force A310 Multi-Role Tanker Transports (MRTTs) to be outfitted and certified with a new military mission avionics package for its aerial refueling role. This A310 MRTT recently was delivered to the German Air Force, and it is participating in the Paris Air Show with a flight routine that includes the extension of hoses from its two refueling pods.
Also taking part in the Paris Air Show flight presentation is EADS’ testbed aircraft for the Aerial Refueling Boom System, which is deploying its all-electric boom during flybys of Le Bourget Airport. The modified A310 has logged more than 100 flight hours to confirm the ARBS’ capabilities in a full range of deployment conditions.
The KC-30B meets the press at Le Bourget
The KC-30 Tanker’s advantages for the U.S. Air Force’s aerial refueling fleet modernization were outlined by EADS and Northrop Grumman executives at a Paris Air Show press conference attended by international reporters.
This news briefing – which was held at the Royal Australian Air Force’s no. 1 KC-30B – also detailed the benefits of the Northrop Grumman/EADS industrial teaming arrangement for USAF’s KC-X tanker competition.
“Of the two competing designs, only the KC-30 will meet or exceed the U.S. Air Force’s specifications for a new tanker in an appreciable way,” Northrop Grumman Chairman and CEO Ronald Sugar told reporters. “This is because Northrop Grumman and EADS have once again brought together the best of breed – the best and most innovative technologies, as well as the brightest minds to produce what will be the best tanker in the world.”
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Sugar noted the A330-200 Multi-Role Tanker Transport – on which the KC-30 Tanker is based – has been selected in the three most recent international competitions for new-generation aerial refueling platforms. In addition to the aircraft for Australia, the A330-200 MRTT has been ordered by the United Arab Emirates and was selected by the United Kingdom as its Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA). “The popularity of this tanker around the world has very important implications for the U.S. Air Force, as it ensures a low-risk solution,” Sugar said.
EADS CEO Thomas Enders said his company and Northrop Grumman have significant experience in working together on military and defense system programs, and this is being applied in the KC-30 Tanker offer to the U.S. Air Force. “Our partnership with Northrop Grumman clearly evidences the benefits that can be achieved through strong industrial alliances that reach across national boundaries,” Enders said. “Our partnership is a living example that vibrant competition can lead to innovation and value.”
Enders said their excellent working relationship allows EADS and Northrop Grumman to partner on programs based on the respective strengths of each company. In the case of the U.S. Air Force’s new tanker acquisition, Northrop Grumman is taking the program prime contractor role, with EADS supplying the A330-200 as an exclusive partner and principal subcontractor. In a teaming arrangement for Germany’s reconnaissance/signals intelligence needs, EADS has overall program responsibility while Northrop Grumman is providing the Euro Hawk version of its Global Hawk unmanned air vehicle.
The A330’s commercial success is boosted by new airline orders
Paris Air Show announcements of more than 120 orders and commitments for the A330 jetliner further consolidate the market leadership position for this twin-engine aircraft, on which the KC-30 Tanker is based.
The announcements include 10 more A330-200s for US Airways (which further increases the A330-200 fleet in the United States), plus 47 orders and commitments for the new A330-200F freighter from U.S. and international customers.
Prior to the Paris Air Show, the twin-engine A330 and its four-engine A340 derivative had accumulated a grand total of 1,113 total firm orders, which have been booked since these two aircraft were introduced to the commercial marketplace. Their continued attractiveness for worldwide customers is demonstrated by the average sales volume of 78 A330s/A340s annually during the past 10 years.
The A330/A340’s continued success has led to a boost in the production rate, with another increase now being considered. The output already is being accelerated to eight A330s/A340s monthly, and it will step up to nine per month by the middle of 2009. A further increase to 10 aircraft monthly is now under consideration.
Contact:
Guy Hicks
Vice President – Communications and Public Relations
EADS North America
Tel: 703 236-3300
e-mail: guy.hicks@eads-na.com
