Arlington, Virginia, June 14, 2007
Preparations underway for first flight
The Royal Australian Air Force’s first KC-30B Multi-role Tanker/Transport has rolled out equipped with its in-flight refueling system, marking a major milestone in EADS’ development of the world’s most advanced aerial tanker platform.
Tuesday’s rollout clears the way for a series of flight validation tests, including refueling contacts with a variety of receiver aircraft, prior to the KC-30B’s delivery to the Royal Australian Air Force’s 33 Squadron.
“This Australian KC-30B – which is the first of five aircraft for this key ally – is further evidence of EADS’ ability to build and deliver the most capable tanker/transports available today,” said John H. Young, Jr., CEO of EADS North America Tankers, a business unit of EADS North America. “In addition, its high degree of commonality with the Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker ensures a low-risk approach in the competition to recapitalize the U.S. Air Force’s aging KC-135 tanker fleet.”
The Royal Australian Air Force’s KC-30B is equipped with EADS’ fly-by-wire Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS), along with two underwing hose and drogue refueling pods. The advanced centerline boom and underwing pod combination enables the Royal Australian Air Force to support its own fighters, airlifters and AWACS assets, while also offering full aerial refueling compatibility with other U.S., NATO and allied military aircraft.
EADS’ all-electric ARBS provides highly accurate, reliable in-flight refueling, with a maximum nominal fuel flow rate of 1,200 U.S. gallons per minute. A high resolution, panoramic and 3D-vision surveillance system enables the boom operator to remotely control boom operations from the cockpit during air-to-air refueling during daylight or nighttime operations.
The KC-30 is derived from the highly popular A330 jetliner. To date, more than 700 A330s have been ordered for civil, military and government customers, and the aircraft’s production rate is increasing to meet a growing international demand.
In addition to its acquisition by the Royal Australian Air Force, the A330-based tanker has been ordered by the United Arab Emirates, and is selected by Britain for the Royal Air Force’s replacement of its VC10 and TriStar tanker/transport fleet. This marks the aircraft’s sweep of all recent international competitions for next-generation aerial refueling aircraft.
About EADS North America (www.eadsnorthamerica.com)
EADS North America is the North American operations of EADS, the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over $10 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 190,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers and services. With 12 operating companies located in 30 cities and 17 states, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.
