Issue 59 – July 15, 2009

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

•	First A330 delivered for conversion as the U.K.'s Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft
•	EADS tanker expertise highlighted by the A310 MRTT's service with the Canadian Forces

First A330 delivered for conversion as the U.K.'s Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft

The first Airbus A330 aircraft platform slated for the United Kingdom’s Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) program has arrived ahead of schedule to begin its conversion into a Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) at Airbus Military facilities in Madrid, Spain. 

The Royal Air Force tanker uses the same basic airframe as Northrop Grumman’s KC-45, which is proposed for the U.S. Air Force’s tanker fleet modernization. EADS North America is a principal subcontractor with responsibility for delivering the KC-45 aircraft platform, which will be produced at a new aviation center of excellence to be built in Mobile, Alabama.

The United Kingdom’s FSTA program involves the acquisition of 14 A330 MRTT-based tanker/transports for the Royal Air Force.  With a service entry planned for 2011, the new aircraft will progressively replace the country’s fleet of aging VC-10 and TriStar refueling aircraft.

In addition to its selection for the United Kingdom’s tanker requirement, the A330 MRTT has been chosen by the air forces of Australia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Three A330 MRTTs currently are in the military certification or conversion process for the Royal Australian Air Force.  Australia is acquiring five of the aircraft, which will extend the range and endurance of its fighters with aerial refueling support, and provide long-range airlift for transportation of troops and cargo.  The Royal Australian Air Force is to begin operational service in 2010 with the aircraft, which will be designated the KC-30 Tanker.

EADS tanker expertise highlighted by the A310 MRTT's service with the Canadian Forces

EADS’ experience in tanker and airlift support was emphasized by the participation of a Canadian Forces A310 Multi-Role Tanker Transport at this month’s Trenton Armed Forces Weekend in Ontario, Canada.

The aircraft – which is derived from the A310 jetliner and carries the CC150 designation in Canadian service – performed fly-by demonstrations in formation with two Canadian Forces CF-18 fighter aircraft, which joined up with the tanker/transport for a typical aerial refueling rendezvous. 

The Canadian Forces operates five CC150s for airlift support and force projection duties.   All are capable of transporting passengers, cargo and government VIPs, and two are outfitted for the in-flight tanker mission – carrying two under-wing hose and drogue pods, and equipped with a cabin-installed aerial refueling mission system.

Canada’s CC150s are based at Canadian Forces Base Trenton, and have served in United Nations, Red Cross and NATO initiatives – including operations in Afghanistan.

EADS’ A310 Multi-Role Tanker Transport also is operated by the German Air Force.  As with the Canadian aircraft, A310 MRTTs have an air refueling operator’s station located in the cabin behind the cockpit and carry a pair of Cobham 900 series underwing hose and drogue refueling pods - the same series of pods used on the A330 MRTT and featured on Northrop Grumman’s KC-45 for the U.S. Air Force.

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