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Issue 22 – August 30, 2007

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

•	The KC-30 Tanker's Aerial Refueling Boom System completes electrostatic discharge tests
•	New orders further consolidate the A330-200's commercial success

The KC-30 Tanker's Aerial Refueling Boom System completes electrostatic discharge tests

EADS' Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS) for the Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker advanced has passed another key technical milestone with its successful completion of electrostatic discharge tests.

The tests involved an instantaneous electrical charge of 200,000 volts on the boom's nozzle, simulating the arc that could be produced when the ARBS makes contact with a receiver aircraft during in-flight refueling. The evaluations were performed with a fully functional ARBS, which is installed on an A310 demonstrator aircraft.

Electrostatic build-up can occur on any airplane because of in-flight atmospheric conditions, and high voltage discharges may be produced during aerial refueling when a boom touches its receiver aircraft. The successful ground-based electrostatic tests confirmed the ARBS and its fly-by-wire control system are unaffected by such potential large electrical spikes.

As a result, the A310 demonstrator aircraft is prepared for its next phase of ARBS flight tests, which will involve in-flight contacts and airborne fuel transfers with a full range 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., German and Canadian Air Force tankers.

New orders further consolidate the A330-200's commercial success

Two international airline operators have selected the A330-200, adding to the growing order book for this popular twin-engine airliner on which the KC-30 Tanker is based.

ACT Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding for two A330-200Fs, which will enable the Turkish-based cargo carrier to offer non-stop service to New York, Hong Kong and Singapore.

The newly-launched A330-200F is the only new-generation mid-sized freighter capable of carrying significant cargo loads on long-haul routes. Since its official commercial launch earlier this year, the A330-200F has rapidly built up a global customer base of cargo airlines and leasing companies.

In a separate transaction, Cairo-based EgyptAir has signed a firm contract to buy five A330-200 passenger aircraft with an option for an additional three. The Egyptian carrier already operates A330s and its four-engine A340 variant, along with A320s and the A300-600 freighter.

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