For previous updates, see our Newsletter Archive.
Issue 73 – April 20, 2010
In this issue of the EADS North America Tanker Activity Update:
EADS North America intends to submit proposal for U.S. Air Force tanker
EADS North America has announced that it intends to submit a proposal on July 9, 2010 for the U.S. Air Force’s tanker modernization program and will offer the KC-45 – the most capable, American-built solution that is flown, proven and in production now.
EADS North America is continuing to build a strong American industry team, which already includes more than 200 U.S. suppliers across the country.
The KC-45 is the only aircraft flying today that meets the U.S. Air Force’s tanker requirements as outlined in its KC-X Request for Proposal (RFP). The KC-45 builds on the EADS-based tanker that was previously selected in 2008 by the Department of Defense and that has won the last five consecutive tanker competitions worldwide.
EADS North America will build and modify the KC-45, along with A330 commercial freighters, at an EADS North America/Airbus production facility to be constructed in Mobile, Alabama. The KC-45 program and aircraft production/modification center will create and support tens of thousands of high-value American jobs while making a long-term investment in the nation’s economy at a time when other aerospace companies are outsourcing production overseas.
The KC-45 is the U.S. military version of the proven A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). To date 28 aircraft have been ordered by four U.S. allies. The MRTT has transferred more than 265,000 lbs. of fuel to a range of military aircraft – from F-16 and F/A-18 fighters to the E-3 AWACS – using the same refueling systems offered on the KC-45.
“Our aircraft has demonstrated its unparalleled capability by refueling a variety of military aircraft utilizing both boom and hose and drogue systems, as well as by operating in the receiving position. That’s a statement our competition can’t make,” said Crosby.
The Royal Australian Air Force will receive the first A330 MRTTs later this year. Additional aircraft are in production or undergoing mission-equipment outfitting for the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
At the heart of the KC-45 is the most capable aerial refueling system operating today. The aircraft’s fly-by-wire Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS) has a demonstrated fuel offload rate of 1,200 U.S. gallons per minute – the only system which meets the U.S. Air Force’s requirements without further modification. The system’s proven all-electric fly-by-wire technology ensures enhanced controllability and safety that greatly aids the boom operator and receiver aircraft's pilot.
The KC-45 also carries an all-digital hose and drogue system for probe-equipped aircraft. The under-wing refueling pods are the most modern in service today, with the capability to deliver up to 420 gallons of fuel per minute through 90-ft.-long hoses at refueling speeds from 180 to 325 knots. The KC-45 will also feature a modern fuselage refueling unit, common with that of allied MRTT users such as the United Kingdom.
New-generation hose & drogue system for A330 MRTT/KC-45 passes key milestone
Flight tests have been completed for daylight certification of the new-generation hose & drogue refueling system that equips the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), on which the KC-45 is based. This paves the way toward formal military certification of the system this summer.
The A330 MRTT is fitted with the all-digital Cobham 905 system, which provides refueling from under-wing pods. It is the most advanced hose and drogue refueling system currently available.
Testing covered the full flight envelope required to certify aircraft handling qualities with the hose and drogue deployed, and included a wide range of maneuvers both in free-flight and in coupled mode with Spanish Air Force F-18 fighters.
Following the A330 MRTT’s civil certification on March 17, this completion of flight testing with the hose and drogue refueling system is a further major step towards final military certification of the aircraft. It will clear the way for delivery of the first A330 MRTT to the Royal Australian Air Force later this year.
Type Certification is received for the A330-200F freighter aircraft
The A330-200F commercial freighter has been granted its Type Certification following a successful 200-hour flight-test campaign, enabling the start-up of deliveries for this newest version of the A330 aircraft platform – which is derived from the same airframe as the KC-45 tanker.
Type Certification was issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency, and will be followed by similar approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.
The A330-200F’s optimized fuselage cross-section provides cargo operators with the flexibility to carry a wide variety of pallet and container sizes. It offers 30 percent more volume than any freighter in its class, and is based on the proven and technologically-advanced A330 jetliner, for which over 1,000 orders have been booked and more than 650 aircraft are in service.
Contact:
Guy Hicks
Vice President – Communications and Public Relations
EADS North America
Tel: 703 236-3300
e-mail: guy.hicks@eads-na.com
