Issue 76 – June 16, 2010

In this EADS North America Tanker Activity Update issue:

Refueling heritage: 35 years of tanker/transport expertise at EADS

EADS North America’s KC-45 Tanker offering for the U.S. Air Force builds on more than 35 years of experience in the development of tanker/transport aircraft that offer versatile, low risk, and cost-effective solutions.

EADS’ tanker/transport experience dates back to the mid-1970s, when its predecessor companies evolved the C-160NG Transall turboprop-powered military airlifter with air-to-air refueling capabilities. 

In 1978, the U.K.’s Royal Air Force decided to acquire VC10 jetliners for transformation into tanker/transports, which were converted at the Filton, England factory of what now is part of EADS’ Airbus division.  Both aircraft types remain in service with their two NATO countries, having been involved in operations that include the Gulf War, Kosovo and Afghanistan – refueling a full range of aircraft from the U.S., NATO and allied nations.

From the 1990s, interest in higher capacity, more flexible and capable aircraft led to EADS’ evolution of the A310 twin-engine jetliner as a Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).  The A310 already was operated by military services in transport, medical evacuation and VIP versions, and the German Air Force was the first to commit to the tanker/transport variant, followed by Canada.  Today, German and Canadian A310 MRTTs are regularly involved in fighter deployments, troop rotations, medical evacuations and humanitarian/natural disaster relief operations around the world.

In anticipating the requirements for a next-generation Multi Role Tanker Transport, studies in the mid-1990s began focusing on the twin-engine A330-200 jetliner, which benefits from the capacity of its built-in fuel tanks, digital fly-by-wire controls, and the common wing shared with the four-engine A340 version – providing designed-in outboard mounting positions for the A330 MRTT’s all-digital refueling pods.

EADS also developed its all-new, fully fly-by-wire Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS) for installation on the A330 MRTT’s underfuselage centerline – ensuring highly accurate in-flight refueling for a wide range of aircraft, from fighters to airlifters. This system’s high-resolution, panoramic and 3D-vision surveillance system enables the boom’s remote control from the A330 MRTT’s cockpit during day and night refueling missions. Its maximum nominal fuel flow rate is 1,200 U.S. gallons per minute – a key requirement for the U.S. Air Force's new tanker.

This forward-looking approach resulted in a highly capable aircraft that has been confirmed as the right tanker for NATO nations and U.S. allies, having been chosen by the Royal Australian Air Force, the air forces of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the U.K. Royal Air Force – with 28 A330 MRTTs currently on order.   Deliveries will begin later this year when the first aircraft are provided to the Royal Australian Air Force.

The KC-45 proposed by EADS North America for USAF’s tanker modernization brings all the demonstrated capability of these A330 MRTTs, offering a highly mature solution that is “real, proven and ready.”

A new customer, and an additional order, for the A330

The jetliner that serves as the basis for EADS North America’s KC-45 tanker continues its global commercial success with another repeat airline order and the addition of a new carrier to its operator base.

Turkish Airlines placed a firm order for an A330-200 aircraft, which joins its previous bookings for 10 A330-300 passenger jetliners and two A330-200 freighters.  The newly-contracted aircraft will be delivered in 2011‪, joining its existing fleet of seven A330-200s, which have demonstrated their cost and operational efficiency in revenue airline service.

Separately, Hong Kong Airlines has received its first A330-200, becoming the jetliner’s latest operator.  The A330 will be used to launch services to Europe at the end of this month, initially flying non-stop to Moscow.

The A330 is one of the most widely used widebody aircraft in service today. To date, it has won more than 1,000 firm orders.  Nearly 700 have been delivered, and are in use with over 80 airline and government operators worldwide.

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