Issue 60 – July 28, 2009

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

•	Saudi Arabia doubles its order for EADS Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft
•	First A330-200F freighter advances through its final assembly process

Saudi Arabia doubles its order for EADS Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft

The A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) – on which the Northrop Grumman KC-45 Tanker is based – has further solidified its position as the world’s leading advanced aerial refueling platform with an order from Saudi Arabia for three additional aircraft, doubling the original purchase.

This second acquisition by the Saudi Ministry of Defense and Aviation brings to six the total A330 MRTTs ordered for the Royal Saudi Air Force, with delivery of the service’s first aircraft scheduled in 2011. The contract also includes an in-service support package.

The Saudi Arabian A330 MRTTs will incorporate EADS’ next-generation fly-by-wire Advanced Refueling Boom System on the fuselage centerline, plus two all-digital Cobham 905E hose-and-drogue refueling pods under the wings.

Aerial refueling operations are controlled from a state-of-the-art Remote Aerial Refueling Operator station in the cockpit behind the pilots, incorporating an enhanced vision system with laser infrared lighting and high-definition digital stereoscopic viewing.

Airbus Military, an EADS company, is responsible for the design and production of the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport.

EADS North America is a principal teammate on Northrop Grumman’s KC-45 Tanker for the U.S. Air Force, and is responsible for delivering the aircraft platform, which will be produced at a new aviation center of excellence to be built in Mobile, Ala.

In addition to Saudi Arabia, the air forces of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates have chosen the A330 MRTT.

Three A330 MRTTs are currently in military certification or conversion for the Royal Australian Air Force.  In addition, the first A330 platform for the United Kingdom’s Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft program was delivered this month for conversion to the MRTT configuration.

The A330 MRTT is based on the Airbus A330 jetliner, more than a thousand of which have been sold worldwide.  More than 600 aircraft have been delivered to date, ensuring a sustained production rate and active supply chain over the long term.

First A330-200F freighter advances through its final assembly process

Final assembly of the first A330-200F is well underway as this new-generation cargo jetliner is readied for its maiden flight in November. 

The aircraft is derived from the same A330-200 platform as Northrop Grumman’s KC-45 Tanker, and is equipped with a 141 X 101-inch cargo door on the forward fuselage – which also is included in the KC-45’s definition.

The no. 1 A330-200F began an on-time build-up in June, which has included the mating of its fuselage sections, wing and horizontal/vertical tail, as well as installation of the main and nose landing gear. 

Certification of the A330-200F is planned for spring 2010 by the European and U.S. airworthiness authorities, with Etihad Airways scheduled to be the first to take delivery. 

As a new-generation freighter derived from the proven A330 jetliner family, the A330-200F offers highly efficient operation while generating less noise and emissions than the aging fleets of mid-sized cargo aircraft used in worldwide service today. 

To date, 65 firm orders from nine customers have been booked for the A330-200F.

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