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SMITHS Aerospace, part of the global technology business Smiths
Group and aerial refueling systems supplier to The Boeing Company
(NYSE:BA) for the KC-767 aircraft, has successfully demonstrated
extension and retraction of the refueling hoses from its Wing Aerial
Refueling Pod (WARP) equipment during initial flight testing April 12.
This follows the successful deployment of the Centerline Hose Drum
Unit refueling equipment February 10. Boeing's fifth-generation KC-767
Tanker is currently undergoing extensive flight testing at the Boeing
IDS-Wichita facility.
"Smiths Aerospace's wing-mounted refueling pods significantly
advance the state-of-the-art in aerial refueling," said David Bina,
vice president of Tanker Programs at Smiths Aerospace. "The
self-contained pod design includes a ram air turbine to generate
hydraulic power, greatly reducing reliance on aircraft systems and
facilitating efficient aircraft integration."
"We've incorporated robust digital flight control law algorithms
and advanced mechanical technologies to allow precise management of
hose tension, enhancing hose stability and significantly reducing the
possibility of hose whip - the leading cause of refueling incidents
for probe and drogue refueling. These features make the Smiths' WARP a
true next generation product," he added.
The inclusion of the centerline hose drum unit and the wing aerial
refueling pods on the KC-767 provides for three-point hose and drogue
refueling of probe-equipped receiver aircraft, allowing for
simultaneous refueling of more than one receiver aircraft. Smiths'
highly responsive, hydraulically-powered hose reel systems (wing pods
and centerline systems) have demonstrated dynamic hose response rates
in excess of the required 10 feet per second refueling probe to drogue
closure rate. A complete system solution, including the pylon,
aircraft structures and internal hose drum electrical, hydraulic, and
fuel subsystems, is integrated to provide highly reliable and easily
maintained hose and drogue refueling systems.
"Smiths has provided the most advanced air refueling systems for
our KC-767 flight test program," said Mark McGraw, vice president,
Boeing Tanker Programs. "The WARP hoses performed strongly and show
the U.S. Air Force that our team is offering proven technology for
their next-generation tanker."
Smiths Aerospace also provides the aircraft's aerial refueling
boom actuation control system, which began flight testing in September
2006. The advanced system provides increased boom control and
responsiveness compared to existing boom refueling systems, enabling
aircraft to refuel more safely and easily in all weather conditions.
Boeing will deliver the KC-767 to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force
in early 2007. In addition to flight-testing the KC-767 for
international customers, Boeing is competing for a contract to build
the U.S. Air Force's next-generation tanker aircraft.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is
one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing
in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions.
Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a
$32.4 billion business with 72,000 employees worldwide.
Smiths Group is a global technology company, listed on the London
Stock Exchange. Smiths Group is a world leader in the practical
application of advanced technologies. Its products and services make
the world safer, healthier and more productive. Smiths Group has four
divisions: Aerospace, Detection, Medical and Specialty Engineering. It
employs 32,000 people and has over 250 major facilities in 50
countries. On 15 January 2007 Smiths Group announced the sale of
Smiths Aerospace to General Electric Company (GE), which remains
subject to regulatory approvals. For more information, visit
www.smiths.com.
Smiths Aerospace is a leading transatlantic aerospace systems and
equipment business, with more than 11,500 employees and $2.4 billion
revenues globally. The business holds key positions in the supply
chains of all major military and civil aircraft and engine
manufacturers and is a world-leader in digital, electrical power,
mechanical systems, engine components and customer services. For
further information visit www.smiths-aerospace.com
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