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Issue 19 – July 11, 2007

In this issue of the EADS North America Tanker Activity Update:

•	EADS Boom System completes major fuel offload test
•	A330 sales and deliveries continue at a brisk pace

EADS Boom System completes major fuel offload test

The world’s most advanced aerial refueling system is ready for in-flight fuel transfers following ground validation tests of the EADS Air Refueling Boom System (ARBS) integrated on an A310 testbed aircraft.

These ground-based tests involved actual fuel offloads from the aircraft-mounted ARBS to an F-16 fighter receptacle and included evaluations of both automatic and manual connection and refueling modes.

This milestone permits the next phase of testing, which will involve in-flight contacts and airborne fuel transfers of the ARBS with a full range of receiver aircraft.

The EADS ARBS is a key element of the Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker offering, which is proposed for the U.S. Air Force’s modernization of its aerial refueling fleet. Developed in a multi-million dollar EADS self-funded research and development effort, the ARBS provides highly accurate, reliable in-flight refueling – taking full advantage of modern fly-by-wire technology.

The ARBS will equip five EADS KC-30B tanker aircraft ordered by the Royal Australian Air Force, along with three tankers for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This boom system also will be incorporated on the Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker, which is offered in the ongoing competition to modernize the U.S. Air Force’s aerial refueling fleet.

Delivering a maximum nominal fuel flow rate of 1,200 U.S. gallons per minute, the ARBS features an automatic load alleviation system that provides a large refueling envelope and enhanced controllability. Its all-electric design significantly reduces traditional failure rates and subsequent down times.

A330 sales and deliveries continue at a brisk pace

The commercial success of the A330 jetliner – on which the A330 Tanker is based – continues to grow, with an expanding order volume and sustained deliveries to operators around the world.

In the first six months of 2007, 112 additional orders for the A330 were booked, including 64 for the newly-launched A330-200F freighter variant.   During the same period, 34 A330s were received by international customers.

Through the end of June, a total of 786 A330s were on order, of which 481 have been delivered.  The most recent A330 deliveries included aircraft for Northwest Airlines, Qatar Airways, China Eastern Airlines, Etihad Airways, Qantas Airways and Aer Lingus.

Contact:
Guy Hicks
Vice President – Communications and Public Relations
EADS North America
Tel: 703 236-3300
e-mail: guy.hicks@eads-na.com