June 19, 2007
The KC-30 Tanker’s advantages for the U.S. Air Force’s aerial refueling fleet modernization were outlined by EADS and Northrop Grumman executives at a Paris Air Show press conference attended by international reporters.
This news briefing – which was held at the Royal Australian Air Force’s no. 1 KC-30B – also detailed the benefits of the Northrop Grumman/EADS industrial teaming arrangement for USAF’s KC-X tanker competition.
“Of the two competing designs, only the KC-30 will meet or exceed the U.S. Air Force’s specifications for a new tanker in an appreciable way,” Northrop Grumman Chairman and CEO Ronald Sugar told reporters. “This is because Northrop Grumman and EADS have once again brought together the best of breed – the best and most innovative technologies, as well as the brightest minds to produce what will be the best tanker in the world.”
Sugar noted the A330-200 Multi-Role Tanker Transport – on which the KC-30 Tanker is based – has been selected in the three most recent international competitions for new-generation aerial refueling platforms. In addition to the aircraft for Australia, the A330-200 MRTT has been ordered by the United Arab Emirates and was selected by the United Kingdom as its Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA). “The popularity of this tanker around the world has very important implications for the U.S. Air Force, as it ensures a low-risk solution,” Sugar said.
EADS CEO Thomas Enders said his company and Northrop Grumman have significant experience in working together on military and defense system programs, and this is being applied in the KC-30 Tanker offer to the U.S. Air Force. “Our partnership with Northrop Grumman clearly evidences the benefits that can be achieved through strong industrial alliances that reach across national boundaries,” Enders said. “Our partnership is a living example that vibrant competition can lead to innovation and value.”
Enders said their excellent working relationship allows EADS and Northrop Grumman to partner on programs based on the respective strengths of each company. In the case of the U.S. Air Force’s new tanker acquisition, Northrop Grumman is taking the program prime contractor role, with EADS supplying the A330-200 as an exclusive partner and principal subcontractor. In a teaming arrangement for Germany’s reconnaissance/signals intelligence needs, EADS has overall program responsibility while Northrop Grumman is providing the Euro Hawk version of its Global Hawk unmanned air vehicle.
