For previous updates, see our Newsletter Archive.
Issue 39 - February 26, 2008
In this issue of the EADS North America Tanker Activity Update:
United Arab Emirates orders the A330 MRTT air-to-air refueling aircraft from EADS
United Arab Emirates has announced the purchase of EADS’ A330 Multi-Role Transport Tanker as the new air-to-air refueling aircraft for the UAE Air Force & Air Defense.
The country’s aircraft will be configured with EADS’ fly-by-wire Aerial Refueling Boom System and a pair of under-wing refueling pods – the same configuration proposed for the KC-30 Tanker version offered by Northrop Grumman in the U.S. Air Force’s aerial refueling fleet recapitalization.
Following the contracts signed with the Royal Australian Air Force, Saudi Arabia – and after being selected as preferred bidder for the United Kingdom’s Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) – the UAE decision further consolidates the A330 MRTT’s position as the most advanced and capable air-to-air refueling aircraft available on the market.
Final assembly underway for the no. 2 KC-30 Tanker
The second of four Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker system design and development (SDD) aircraft reached a major milestone this month when it entered Station 40 of the A330 final assembly line, where its wing and center fuselage are to be mated.
This no. 2 SDD aircraft is scheduled to make its maiden flight in April 2008, and will be available to join the first-assembled aircraft for their follow-on cargo and aerial refueling modification phase.
The production of SDD aircraft is part of Northrop Grumman’s production strategy for an efficient and low-risk approach to replacing the U.S. Air Force’s KC-135 tanker fleet.
The KC-30 is designed to meet or exceed KC-X program Key Performance Parameters
Northrop Grumman’s KC-30 Tanker has been designed to meet or exceed all Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) for the KC-X tanker replacement program designated by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to a press release issued by Northrop Grumman.
Extensive trade analyses were conducted to ensure it provided the Air Force with the exacting capabilities requested in the KC-X System Requirements Documentation.
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Beginning with the eight primary refueling missions, Northrop Grumman performed systems engineering analysis of all requirements using a functional definition process that bounded system and subsystem designs within schedule and cost as an independent variable constraint.
It also applied this process to the secondary missions including airlift and aero medical evacuation. The end result was a baseline design that meets mission requirements, ensures a high probability of success, and delivers within cost and schedule constraints.
A new order for A330-200 Freighters
Asia’s leading aircraft leasing company has further expanded the A330 order book with a contract for the highly popular A330-200 Freighter version.
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BOC Aviation (which previously was known as Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise) signed a firm order for five A330-200 Freighters, which offers 30 percent more volume than any cargo aircraft in its class.
Both the A330-200 Freighter and Northrop Grumman’s KC-30 Tanker are based on the best-selling A330 twin-engine jetliner. Today, some 520 A330s have been delivered to customers worldwide, with the total order book of over 880 aircraft ensuring high-rate production for years to come.
Contact:
Guy Hicks
Vice President – Communications and Public Relations
EADS North America
Tel: 703 236-3300
e-mail: guy.hicks@eads-na.com
