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The world's most advanced aerial refueling system is ready for
in-flight fuel transfers following ground validation tests of the EADS
Air Refueling Boom System (ARBS) integrated on an A310 testbed
aircraft.
These ground-based tests involved actual fuel offloads from the
aircraft-mounted ARBS to an F-16 fighter receptacle and included
evaluations of both automatic and manual connection and refueling
modes.
This milestone permits the next phase of testing, which will
involve in-flight contacts and airborne fuel transfers of the ARBS
with a full range of receiver aircraft.
"With this key milestone completed, the ARBS is ready to fully
demonstrate its airborne offload capabilities as the most modern
refueling system designed to meet current and future needs of the U.S.
Air Force and our allies," said John H. Young, Jr., CEO of EADS North
America Tankers, a business unit of EADS North America. "This
successful fuel transfer testing validates that the EADS boom program
is proceeding on plan and on schedule."
The EADS ARBS is a key element of the Northrop Grumman KC-30
Tanker offering, which is proposed for the U.S. Air Force's
modernization of its aerial refueling fleet. Developed in a
multi-million dollar EADS self-funded research and development effort,
the ARBS provides highly accurate, reliable in-flight refueling -
taking full advantage of modern fly-by-wire technology.
The ARBS will equip five EADS KC-30B tanker aircraft ordered by
the Royal Australian Air Force, along with three tankers for the
United Arab Emirates (UAE). This boom system also will be incorporated
on the Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker, which is offered in the ongoing
competition to modernize the U.S. Air Force's aerial refueling fleet.
Delivering a maximum nominal fuel flow rate of 1,200 U.S. gallons
per minute, the ARBS features an automatic load alleviation system
that provides a large refueling envelope and enhanced controllability.
Its all-electric design significantly reduces traditional failure
rates and subsequent down times.
The KC-30 multi-role tanker/transport family is derived from the
highly popular A330 jetliner. To date, more than 700 A330s have been
ordered for civil, military and government customers, and this modern
and reliable aircraft's production rate is increasing to meet a
growing international demand.
In addition to its acquisition by the Royal Australian Air Force
and the United Arab Emirates, the A330-based tanker platform also has
been selected by the United Kingdom for the Royal Air Force's
replacement of its VC10 and TriStar tanker/transport fleet.
The first KC-30B aircraft for Australia has completed its mission
equipment outfitting and is now undergoing rigorous flight evaluations
prior to delivery of the tanker aircraft to the Royal Australian Air
Force.
About EADS North America (www.eadsnorthamerica.com)
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.
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