Issue 56 – June 11, 2009

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

•	The U.K.'s no. 1 Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft makes its initial flight

EADS’ first A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft platform for the United Kingdom has made its maiden flight – marking another milestone in the aircraft program on which Northrop Grumman’s KC-45 Tanker for the U.S. Air Force is based.

The United Kingdom’s A330 MRTT version is called the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA), and 14 will be acquired to replace the country’s fleet of aging VC-10 refueling platforms.  The no. 1 aircraft will start mission equipment outfitting for its tanker and transport role this summer, with deliveries of FSTAs scheduled to begin in 2011.

EADS’ family of A330 MRTTs is based on the A330 airliner, which continues in sustained production for airline, government and private customers.  The A330 MRTT is a low-risk program, with its aerial refueling equipment package already validated on the no. 1 aircraft built by EADS for the Royal Australian Air Force. 

The A330 MRTT has won all of the latest competitions for new-generation aerial refueling aircraft, being selected by the air forces of Australia, the United
Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In 2008, Northrop Grumman’s KC-45 version of the A330 MRTT was selected by the U.S. Air Force to recapitalize its aging KC-135 refueling fleet.

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