Issue 50 – January 28, 2009

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

•	The Royal Australian Air Force’s A330 MRTT performs multiple contacts as a receiver aircraft
•	A third airframe is delivered for outfitting as a Royal Australian Air Force A330 MRTT
•	Orders surpass the 1,000 mark for the A330 aircraft, on which the KC-45 and A330 MRTT are based

The Royal Australian Air Force’s A330 MRTT performs multiple contacts as a receiver aircraft

EADS’ first A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) achieved another significant milestone in its military certification process as this new-generation refueling platform is readied for delivery to the RAAF.

The A330 MRTT was validated as a receiver aircraft for in-flight refueling after multiple contacts with an EADS A310 testbed platform – which is equipped with the company’s advanced Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS).

Multiple contacts of the fly-by-wire boom were made with the A330 MRTT’s Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) system, located on the aircraft’s forward fuselage above the cockpit. These evaluations confirmed the A330 MRTT’s extremely stable flying qualities as a receiver aircraft, and also included tests of the military avionics system during refueling operations.

The A330 MRTT forms the basis of Northrop Grumman’s KC-45 offering in the U.S. Air Force tanker fleet modernization competition.  A330 MRTTs for the Royal Australian Air Force use the same configuration as the KC-45, carrying EADS’ fly-by-wire Aerial Refueling Boom System on the under-fuselage centerline, along with two underwing hose and drogue refueling pods.

EADS’ A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport has been selected by the air forces of Australia, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, along with its choice last year for recapitalization of the U.S. Force’s aging tanker fleet. These aircraft are based on the modern A330 commercial jetliner – which is in high-rate production for military and civilian customers worldwide.

A third A330 airframe is delivered for outfitting as a Royal Australian Air Force A330 MRTT

EADS is keeping up the pace of its A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport program with delivery of the third airframe for completion as a Royal Australian Air Force A330 MRTT.

This aircraft was delivered from the A330/A340 production line in December, and will undergo its conversion to the RAAF’s A330 MRTT configuration in Australia by Qantas.

Qantas has responsibility, in cooperation with EADS, for outfitting four of the five A330 MRTTs ordered by the Royal Australian Air Force – and currently is working on the no.  2 aircraft in Australia.

Deliveries surpass the 580 mark for the A330 jetliner, on which the KC-45 and A330 MRTT are based

More than 580 A330 jetliners have been delivered for worldwide customers as demand remains strong for this twin-engine jetliner – supporting sustained production rates for the aircraft that also serves as the airframe for EADS’ A330 MRTT and the Northrop Grumman KC-45 Tanker.

Among the most recent deliveries was Singapore Airlines’ initial A330, received by the carrier on January 21.  Singapore Airlines will use a total of six aircraft on its regional and medium haul routes.

Overall A330 deliveries through the end of 2008 totaled 587, while the jetliner’s order volume stood at 1,012.  The aircraft is part of the popular A330/A340 family, of which 1,397 have been sold and 948 delivered as of December 31, 2008. 

Global demand for the A330 and A340 will keep their combined manufacturing rates above eight aircraft per month, guaranteeing sufficient production output over the long term – along with an active supplier base.

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