Subscribe to our RSS feed

Issue 48 – August 7, 2008

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

•	EADS’ advanced refueling boom concludes its test and validation phase
•	The A330 Family order book continues to increase

EADS’ advanced refueling boom concludes its test and validation phase

The EADS-developed advanced Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS) has completed its testing and validation phase. Over the recent final two-day flight test period, the ARBS conducted more than 20 contacts with an F-16 fighter aircraft and, thereby, successfully achieved all remaining test objectives.

Completion of the boom test program confirmed the capabilities and maturity of the ARBS, which is a key element of the Northrop Grumman KC-45 Tanker. The ARBS also is incorporated on the similar KC-30B Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) for Australia -- the first of which will be delivered next year to the Royal Australian Air Force.

The ARBS test program spanned several years and included developmental testing, which began in the EADS System Integration Laboratory before moving to the ARBS Ground Test Rig. Activities then shifted to the flight phase in March 2006 with flights conducted on board the EADS A310 Boom Demonstrator aircraft.

During flight testing, the ARBS successfully refueled numerous aircraft, including the F-16 fighter and NATO Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, and performed proximity testing with the Royal Australian Air Force KC-30B MRTT.

In total, the ARBS accomplished 80 contacts and logged more than 146 flight hours during 122 sorties. Numerous wet and dry contacts were made at various altitudes and airspeeds, confirming both the ease of operation and the high nominal fuel flow rate. The large ARBS in-flight refueling envelope was fully explored, validated, and shown to be significantly larger in all axes than the KC-135's envelope.

Successful completion of the ARBS flight test program will be followed by the system's final acceptance on the Royal Australian Air Force KC-30B MRTT. The ARBS, which already is installed on the first KC-30B, will perform both wet and dry in-flight contacts prior to the aircraft's delivery to Australia in 2009.

The all-electric ARBS provides highly accurate, reliable in-flight refueling, with a maximum nominal fuel flow rate of 1,200 U.S. gallons per minute – 33 percent more than more than the KC-135. Modern fly-by-wire technology incorporated in the ARBS provides enhanced controllability and includes an automatic load alleviation system that greatly aids the boom operator – as well as the receiver aircraft's pilot – during refueling operations.

The A330 Family order book continues to increase

New international bookings have further boosted the order volume for the A330 – which is one of the airframes used for EADS’ family of multi-role tanker/transport aircraft, including Northrop Grumman’s KC-45 Tanker for the U.S. Air Force.

In the month of July alone, orders were received from international airlines for 31 additional A330s, bringing total firm bookings for the A330 aircraft family to 1,006.

This includes tankers and transport versions for military and governmental applications, along with passenger and freighter configurations for airline operators.

The already-accelerated output of A330s is being further stepped up, going from eight aircraft per month to a new volume of 11 aircraft monthly.

A330 deliveries through the end of July totaled 555, providing a continued large backlog that ensures sustained production rates, as well as an active supplier base 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