For previous updates, see our Newsletter Archive.
Issue 53 – May 14, 2009
In this issue of the EADS North America Tanker Activity Update:
EADS' A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport concludes key boom flight test milestone
The EADS A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) – on which Northrop Grumman’s KC-45 for the U.S. Air Force is based – has completed a key phase of testing to further validate the in-flight handling qualities of its advanced Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS).
These evaluations, known as flutter testing, confirmed the characteristics of the EADS-developed ARBS, which is integrated on the A330 MRTT for the transfer of fuel to military receiver aircraft.
The flutter vibration testing was performed in a variety of flight conditions, including at high speeds and altitudes, with the boom deployed in its refueling positions. Testing was performed with the first A330 MRTT built for Australia.
This marked a new achievement in the A330 MRTT’s qualification prior to the startup of deliveries to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The RAAF is one of five military services that have selected A330-based refueling aircraft to meet their nation’s tanker/transport requirements, including Australia, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. In 2008, the United States Air Force selected the Northrop Grumman KC-45 to replace its aging KC-135 refueling fleet.
EADS’ fly-by-wire ARBS is one of the key technological advantages for the A330 MRTT and Northrop Grumman’s KC-45, providing highly accurate, reliable in-flight refueling for a full range of aircraft, from fighters to airlifters. The system’s high-resolution, panoramic and 3D-vision surveillance system enables the aircraft boom operator to remotely control the boom from the cockpit during day or night and in all weather air-to-air refueling missions. Its maximum nominal fuel flow rate is 1,200 U.S. gallons per minute.
The A330 MRTT is configured for multi-point refueling, ensuring the aircraft’s flexibility with a full range of military receiver aircraft. In addition to the centerline Aerial Refueling Boom System, the aircraft also is equipped with underwing hose and drogue refueling pods.
Phase two MRTT flight testing began in December 2008 and has validated the aircraft’s flight control laws and compatibility with a broad range of military aircraft while operating as both a tanker and receiver; tested and expanded the operational envelope of the centerline refueling boom and two underwing refueling pods; and tested onboard avionics – including NATO-standard Link 16 data communications and the Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS).
Payload/range capabilities to be further improved for the A330-200
The A330-200 commercial jetliner – which serves as the airframe for Northrop Grumman’s KC-45 Tanker – will have its payload/range capabilities further improved with the twin-engine jetliner's 11,020-pound increase in maximum takeoff weight.
This enhancement was achieved without changing the aircraft's acoustic category or runway loading - meaning the improved A330-200 will be able to use existing runways and airport take-off slots without penalty.
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New-build A330-200s will have the option of an extra 7,495 pounds of payload or additional 330 nautical miles of range beginning in August 2010, and a retrofit package will be available from November 2010.
The increased range and payload will make A330-200s more productive, and also provide the opportunity to open up new markets. Boosting the jetliner's payload represents significant potential revenue increases on routes flown today, while the extra range will allow carriers to expand their networks.
To date, more than 550 of the highly efficient A330-200s have been sold, with over 340 currently flying with carriers around the globe. The A330-200 is part of the family of A330 twin-engine and A340 four-engine jetliners, which continue to be built at a sustained production of 8.5 aircraft per month - providing the volume required to meet worldwide demand for its civil and military versions.
First fuselage section shipped for the A330-200F freighter
The first major fuselage section for the A330-200 jetliner’s latest version – the A330-200F freighter – has been completed, marking a new milestone for this all-cargo aircraft.
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This 38-foot-long forward fuselage section includes the A330-200F's large main-deck cargo door – which will enable the jetliner to carry cargo containers and freight pallets in a single row or in side-by-side arrangements according to operators' needs.
The main deck cargo door is 141 inches wide and 101 inches high, and is a new feature for the A330 family. This same-sized door has been used on A300 and A310 cargo aircraft, which are in service worldwide.
Final assembly of the no. 1 A330-200F will begin in the summer, followed by the aircraft's maiden flight later this year.
Contact:
Guy Hicks
Vice President – Communications and Public Relations
EADS North America
Tel: 703 236-3300
e-mail: guy.hicks@eads-na.com
