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Issue 43 - May 23, 2008

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

•	The U.S. Air Force's second KC-45 airframe is ready for tanker modification

The second aircraft designated for the U.S. Air Force KC-45 Tanker program has completed its final check flight, illustrating the rapid production capability that will allow the Northrop Grumman-led industrial team to quickly replace USAF’s aging KC-135 Tanker fleet.

This aircraft, designated SDD-2, follows the first KC-45 Tanker airframe (SDD-1), which was completed in July 2007 and performed its maiden flight last September. Both SDD-1 and SDD-2 will be outfitted with in-flight refueling systems and additional military-specific equipment.

The KC-45 is based on EADS’ KC-30B Multi-role Tanker for the Royal Australian Air Force, the first of which is on schedule for delivery to Australia in early 2009. The United States is the fifth straight country to select tankers based on the A330 airframe for their military forces.

KC-45 manufacturing is to be performed at a new aircraft center of excellence on Mobile, Alabama’s Brookley Field, where Airbus (an EADS company) will handle the assembly, test and certification responsibilities.

EADS North America will deliver the KC-45s to Northrop Grumman’s Brookley Field completion facility for mission equipment outfitting and modification to the full tanker configuration.

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