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Issue 23 – September 06, 2007

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

•	Comparison chart highlights operational advantages of the Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker in USAF's KC-X refueling fleet modernization

The Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker’s superior performance for the U.S. Air Force’s aerial refueling fleet modernization is underscored by a comparison chart that measures key operational performance parameters of the KC-X program’s two competitors and the existing KC-135.

This chart was developed by Thomas P. White, the director and chief analyst for CAS, Inc., which provides management consulting and analytic services to government and industry.  White is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel whose assignments included the lead airlift/tanker analyst for Program Analysis and Evaluation in the Office of the Secretary of Defense – where he provided advice on the Quadrennial Defense Review, the 2005 Tanker Requirements Study and the KC-767 lease.

As White’s chart demonstrates, the Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker’s ability to deliver more fuel over longer distances, while operating from a greater number of airfields and with higher reliability, provides key advantages for the Air Force’s next-generation aerial refueling platform.  The following descriptions explain the comparison chart’s 11 data points:

Aircraft capability (Data points: Fleet effectiveness value; aerial refueling mission effectiveness)

In evaluating KC-135 replacement candidates, the fleet effectiveness value and aerial refueling mission effectiveness are considered key parameters for the
KC-X competitors. In both measurements, the KC-30 Tanker is given superior rankings by a clear margin.

Elements taken into account for the fleet effectiveness value included the number of aircraft required to meet the refueling demand in a USAF specified a multi-conflict global scenario.  This scenario reflects challenging assumptions concerning parking ramp capacity, runway length and weight-bearing capacity at supporting airfields. 

Key performance attributes that affect the refueling mission effectiveness include maximum fuel load, fuel offload at distance, takeoff performance, fuel efficiency, plus operational and airfield availability.

Airfield compatibility (Data points: Global airfield availability; fuel load from 7,000 ft. runways)

The KC-30 Tanker’s excellent takeoff performance and its significant fuel load capability provide better results in two important parameters: global airfield availability and fuel load carried from facilities with 7,000 ft. runways.  As the chart shows, KC-30 Tankers can be deployed from a significantly larger number of airfields identified in the Air Mobility Command’s airfield data base – enabling these aircraft to operate where needed to meet Air Force refueling mission scenarios, while carrying at least 200,000 lb. of fuel. 

In addition, the KC-30 Tanker’s optimized combination of engine thrust, modern wing aerodynamics, and reduced airframe weight (with the use of advanced materials) allow the aircraft to deploy from a larger number of airfields with shorter runways, ensuring greater flexibility for mission planners.

Mission effectiveness (Data points: Maximum fuel load; fuel offload at 1,000 nautical miles; aircraft fuel efficiency)

The KC-30 Tanker provides a more efficient aerial refueling platform for the U.S. Air Force, no matter what fuel load is carried.   Its greater maximum fuel load is an important advantage when conducting deployments, in refueling other tankers for force projection, while supporting Forward Area Refueling Points (FARPs), in refueling large aircraft, and extending on-station time when serving as a “gas station in the sky” for fighters. 

The KC-30 Tanker’s fuel offload at 1,000 nautical miles measurement demonstrates the aircraft’s significant delivery advantage, particularly when tankers must fly long distances to refueling points; provide coverage at a refueling point for a long period of time; and handle large fuel offloads.  Longer on-station times for the KC-30 Tanker also increase its efficiency by reducing non-productive transit time and the number of aircraft needed to meet boom demand over time.

Payload capability (Data points: Payload, pallets and passengers)

The KC-30 carries its entire fuel load in the wing and center fuel tanks, freeing up the aircraft’s large main deck for pallets, bulk cargo and passengers – which is supplemented by additional capacity in aircraft’s voluminous lower-deck cargo holds.

This will create new transportation capabilities for the Department of Defense, with the KC-30’s ability to accommodate 32 pallets (significantly more than a dedicated C-17 airlifter), 52 tons of cargo, or 226 passengers – all while maintaining its in-flight refueling capabilities.  As a result, the KC-30 Tanker can deploy a fighter squadron’s support material and personnel while also refueling its aircraft enroute, while its self-defense suite will allow aeromedical evacuation, direct delivery and other operations in medium-threat areas. 

Mission readiness (Data point: Operational availability rate)

As a modern, fly-by-wire aircraft, the KC-30 Tanker has higher reliability, maintainability and redundancy built-in from the start, guaranteeing better availability.  Its AIRMAN real-time maintenance and troubleshooting tool has been demonstrated in operational service worldwide, optimizing dispatch reliability and reducing downtime.   Additionally, the KC-30 Tanker’s modern design requires less depot time and allows longer periods between major depot visits.

Read the complete KC-X comparison paper by CAS, Inc.’s Thomas White

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