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EADS North America names Michael Cosentino Vice President and Program Manager, Tanker Programs
Arlington, Virginia, May 05, 2009
EADS North America has appointed Michael Cosentino as Vice President and Program Manager, Tanker Programs. He will serve as the primary program interface with Northrop Grumman on the KC-45 tanker and oversee the company’s tanker program and engineering efforts in the U.S. EADS North America is the principal subcontractor to Northrop Grumman on the KC-45, which was previously selected to replace the U.S. Air Force’s aging fleet of aerial refueling tankers.
“Michael Cosentino has an outstanding record of leadership, demonstrated business acumen, and extensive program management expertise,” said Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., EADS North America chairman and chief executive officer. “He will be instrumental in directing our efforts on the Northrop Grumman KC-45 team as we work together to provide the most capable, best value tanker to the Air Force.”
Mr. Cosentino has almost three decades of experience in defense aerospace, providing engineering, acquisitions and program-management excellence to a variety of important aircraft programs, including the SR-71, F-117, YF-22, and C-130J. From 2002 to 2005, he directed international programs for the Joint Strike Fighter, leading a team of industry professionals, working with their government counterparts, to negotiate multiple international partnerships. In 2005, he was selected as CEO of AugustaWestlandBell, an international joint venture contracted to provide the airframes for the VH-71 Presidential Helicopter.
In 2008, Mr. Cosentino became General Manager of Global Military Aircraft Systems, spearheading the creation of that company for aftermarket support, sustainment, and training for the Joint Cargo Aircraft air system for all U.S. and foreign customers.
Mr. Cosentino holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He will be located in the Melbourne, Fla., office of EADS North America Tankers.
EADS’ A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) forms the basis of Northrop Grumman’s offering in the U.S. Air Force tanker fleet modernization competition, providing a total air mobility solution with exceptional capacity for in-flight refueling, plus full flexibility in cargo delivery, passenger transport, aeromedical evacuation and other missions. Designated the KC-45A following its 2008 selection by the U.S. Air Force, the Northrop Grumman KC-45 would be assembled and mission-equipped in Mobile, Ala. – creating a new aerospace manufacturing center of excellence in the United States that will support over 48,000 high-value jobs nationwide.
The A330 MRTT also has been selected by the air forces of Australia, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. These aircraft are based on the modern, commercial A330 jetliner – which is in high-rate production for military and civilian customers worldwide – and incorporate an in-flight refueling system featuring EADS fly-by-wire Aerial Refueling Boom System, plus underwing hose and drogue refueling pods.
About EADS North America
EADS North America is the North American operation 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 $11 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 200,000 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.
