Arlington, Virginia, March 03, 2009
EADS’ ability to build and deliver highly capable tanker/transport aircraft for NATO air forces and allied countries was underscored by a recent delivery of the first wing set for the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) to be operated by the U.K.’s Royal Air Force.
The FSTA is based on the EADS A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), which has been selected in the last five consecutive international competitions held in Australia, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and the United States, where the A330 MRTT is the base platform of the Northrop Grumman KC-45 tanker.
A total of 14 A330 MRTTs will be delivered to AirTanker, the EADS-led consortium, for use by the U.K. Royal Air Force in aerial refueling and transport missions, entering service in 2011. The FSTA will replace the U.K.’s existing fleet of aging tanker/transport aircraft.
“The FSTA wing set delivery is a key milestone underscoring the robustness of EADS’ A330 MRTT production capability,” said Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., EADS North America’s chairman and CEO. “EADS already has delivered three A330 MRTT airframes for outfitting and completion for the Royal Australian Air Force, designated two airframes for the U.S. Air Force KC-45 and is now ready to meet the U.K.’s tanker modernization needs. EADS tankers, with Northrop Grumman in the U.S., have been selected in five consecutive international competitions. This delivery clearly demonstrates that we are ready now and successfully moving forward to meet our customers’ military refueling requirements.”
The twin-engine EADS MRTT benefits from sustained production rates for the Airbus A330 commercial jetliner on which it is based. To date, more than 1,010 A330s have been ordered by civilian, military and governmental customers worldwide, with approximately 590 delivered. Production output for the A330 and its four-engine A340 version continues at a rate of 8.5 aircraft per month, ensuring a robust manufacturing capability as well as a fully responsive supplier network.
Providing a total air mobility solution, the A330 MRTT offers exceptional capacity for in-flight refueling, plus full flexibility in cargo delivery, passenger transport, aeromedical evacuation and other missions.
The Northrop Grumman KC-45, which is based on the A330 MRTT, was selected by the U.S. Air Force in February of 2008 to meet its tanker modernization requirements. Following contract award to Northrop Grumman and subsequent protest, the U.S. Department of Defense opted to recompete the tanker modernization program. The KC-45 aircraft platform will be assembled and mission-equipped in Mobile, Ala. – creating a new aerospace manufacturing center of excellence for the United States that will support over 48,000 high-value jobs nationwide.
At the heart of the Northrop Grumman KC-45’s refueling system is EADS’ new-generation ARBS, which provides highly accurate, reliable in-flight refueling. The all-electric system’s maximum nominal fuel flow rate of 1,200 U.S. gallons per minute is 33 percent more than the Air Force’s current KC-135 tanker. Modern fly-by-wire technology incorporated in the ARBS provides enhanced controllability and includes an automatic gust load alleviation system that greatly aids the boom operator – as well as the receiver aircraft's pilot – during refueling operations.
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. Operating in 17 states, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.
