Issue 21 – August 23, 2007

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

•	Aerial Refueling Boom System for Northrop Grumman's KC-30 Tanker passes flight test milestones
•	A330 sales and deliveries remain strong in 2007

Aerial Refueling Boom System for Northrop Grumman's KC-30 Tanker passes flight test milestones

Northrop Grumman Corporation's KC-30 Tanker's fly-by-wire boom has completed more than 130 hours of evaluations during 50 flights, demonstrating the maturity of the world's most advanced military aerial refueling system.

Integrated on an A310 test-bed aircraft, the Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS) being developed by Northrop Grumman's teammate EADS has been tested throughout the full operating envelope.

The A310 demonstrator aircraft is now ready for its next phase of ARBS flight tests, which will involve in-flight contacts and airborne fuel transfers with a variety of receiver aircraft.

The ARBS is the most modern boom in operation today, and delivers a maximum nominal fuel flow rate of 1,200 gallons per minute. It features an automatic load alleviation system that provides a large refueling envelope and enhanced controllability, which greatly aid the boom operator and the receiving aircraft's pilot during refueling operations. The boom's all-electric design significantly reduces traditional failure rates and subsequent down time.

Northrop Grumman's KC-30 Tanker is fitted with a centerline-mounted ARBS and hose and drogue unit, along with two underwing hose and drogue refueling pods. This enables the KC-30 Tanker to refuel a full range of U.S. and NATO military aircraft. The KC-30's hose and drogue system is already flying on U.S. Air Force, German Air Force, and Canadian Air Force tankers.

The KC-30 Tanker aircraft is based on the EADS A330 Multi-role Tanker Transport, which was selected to support the air forces of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. The first Australian Air Force KC-30B is executing a rigorous flight test program with all refueling systems installed on the aircraft.

A330 sales and deliveries remain strong in 2007

The A330's international success with operators around the world is continuing in 2007, strengthening the market presence of this popular twin-engine airliner on which the KC-30 Tanker is based.

New orders for the A330 this year reached 119 through the end of July, bringing the aircraft's total order volume to 793. Included in the 2007 sales are 66 A330-200Fs, which is the new freighter configuration launched in January.

Deliveries of the various A330 versions are continuing apace, with 38 new aircraft received by customers during the first seven months of 2007. This brings overall deliveries of the jetliner to 485 as of July 31.

The continued strong demand for the A330 and its four-engine A340 derivative has led to an acceleration of their combined production rate, with another increase now being considered. The output already is being boosted 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 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