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EADS North America participates in the Air Force Association and National Business Aviation Association Exhibitions
Arlington, Virginia, September 24, 2007
Industry meetings highlight EADS’ capabilities in military aerial fueling, airlift and missile systems, as well as corporate and VIP aviation
EADS North America will have high profile participation at two major aerospace industry shows this week, emphasizing its growing presence in the U.S. defense, security and business aviation sectors.
The company is taking part in the Air Force Association’s 2007 Air & Space Conference and Exhibition in Washington, D.C. on September 24-26, as well as the National Business Aviation Association’s 60th Annual Meeting and Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 25-27.
“These two important industry events underscore the breadth of EADS North America’s capabilities in both the military and civilian sectors,” said John H. Young, Jr., the COO of EADS North America.
The Air Force Association exhibition will highlight EADS’ ability to provide modern, capable in-flight refueling and airlifters for current and future operational needs of the United States, NATO nations and allied countries.
This includes the A330 MRTT (multi-role tanker/transport) version of the A330 jetliner, which already has been selected by Australia, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, and is being offered in the KC-30 version by Northrop Grumman for the U.S. Air Force’s recapitalization of its aerial tanker fleet.
The Royal Australian Air Force’s first KC-30B aircraft has been built and is now outfitted with its mission equipment – which includes EADS’ fly-by-wire Aerial Refueling Boom System, while the initial Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker aircraft platform is nearing its maiden flight, after which it will be ready to be outfitted for the aerial refueling role.
Also featured by EADS at the Air Force Association’s exhibit is the new-generation A400M airlifter, which is in production for nine NATO and international military forces. This aircraft is designed for strategic operations, tactical missions and in-theater aerial refueling, and will have more than twice the payload and volume of the aging C-130 Hercules and C-160 transports it replaces. To date, 192 A400Ms have been ordered by nine nations.
EADS’ weapons system capabilities are being demonstrated at the Air Force Association exhibition with the presence of its Taurus air-to-surface standoff missile, which currently is operational with NATO air forces. Taurus incorporates stealth characteristics and has a range in excess of 350 km., with the ability to attack targets that include hardened bunkers; command, control and communications infrastructure; airfield facilities; port facilities and bridges. The missile also incorporates self-defense countermeasures.
At the National Business Aviation Association’s Annual Meeting and Convention in Atlanta, EADS will focus on the company’s leadership role in corporate helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft.
The American Eurocopter business unit of EADS North America is to underscore its role as a leading supplier of helicopters in the United States, which are in wide use for company transport, utility airlift, law enforcement, homeland security missions, off-shore support, medical evacuation and tourism. On September 25, the company will unveil a new VIP helicopter concept based on its light twin-engine EC135 aircraft.
EADS Socata’s participation at the Atlanta business aviation convention is to feature the company’s TBM 850 very fast turboprop, which has logged record sales since this single-engine aircraft was launched in December 2005. The majority of orders have come from the U.S., where the TBM 850’s speed, efficiency, and low environmental signature are appreciated by its growing ranks of owner pilots. A TBM 850 will be on static display at Atlanta’s Fulton County Airport.
Airbus’ growing role in U.S. corporate and VIP aviation will be showcased by its A318 Elite, the first of which has come to Atlanta for display. Orders for the A318 Elite – the latest member of the Airbus Corporate Jetliner family – include six for Petters Group Worldwide, which makes this Minnesota-based company the aircraft’s largest customer. The Peters Group’s fleet acquisition gives Airbus an increasing corporate jet presence in North America, where existing ACJ operators include ADI and Pharmair.
Exhibit booth and press conference information for editors:
Air Force Association Conference and Exhibition
Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Washington, D.C.
• EADS North America: Hall A – Booth #1402
NBAA Annual Meeting and Convention
Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia
• American Eurocopter: Booth #4351
- EC135 VIP concept helicopter unveiling:
o September 25, 11:00 a.m., booth #4351
• EADS Socata: Booth #3871
- Press conference:
o September 25, 12:00 noon, press room B208
• Airbus Corporate Jetliners: Booth #4339
- Press conferences:
o September 24, 2:00 p.m., press room B208
o September 25, 1:00 p.m., press room B207
o September 25, 3:00 p.m., press room B207
Atlanta Fulton County Airport
• EADS Socata: Static display area #14
• Airbus: Static display area #26
About EADS North America
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.
