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simulator · Guest

EADS Commits More Than $80 Million in Company Funding to Develop
Systems, Technology for U.S. Tanker Aircraft

(Source: EADS North America; issued Sept. 16, 2003)

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- EADS, one of the world’s largest defense and
aerospace companies, is investing more than $80 million of company
funding in developing technology and systems to position it as a strong
competitor for the U.S. Air Force’s future aerial tanker modernization
requirements.

The commitment includes $83 million for the design, manufacture and
testing of an advanced centerline refueling boom that incorporates
fly-by-wire controls and provides a high-volume fuel transfer flow. This
boom, to be mounted under the aft fuselage of an Airbus A330 tanker,
will be used as a primary means for in-flight refueling of military
aircraft such as fighters, transports and special mission platforms.

A prototype of the EADS advanced refueling boom is being developed by
EADS Military Transport Division in Madrid, Spain, and will be completed
for ground-based evaluations on a test rig next year, to be followed by
flight testing.

“The A330 Tanker offers a state-of-the-art platform and refueling system
clearly exceeding the performances of competitors' alternatives,” said
Rafael Acedo, Vice President Programs EADS Military Transport Aircraft
Division.

The Air Force has a requirement for several hundred aerial tankers to
assure its in-flight refueling mission for U.S. forces worldwide, and
EADS is committed to be a viable competitor in this important program.

“EADS is absolutely committed to success in the large tanker market,”
said Ralph Crosby, Chairman of EADS North America – the Washington,
D.C-based holding company for EADS in the U.S. “We are aggressively
pursuing the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) for the United
Kingdom. In the United States, we have made clear to Air Force
authorities that we intend to compete aggressively for all future tanker
buys – a commitment which has been acknowledged and supported by the Air
Force. The allocation of significant EADS company funding to develop the
refueling boom and other technology underscores our intent to be a
long-term player in this market.”

EADS will propose a military version of the Airbus A330 airliner for the
U.S. Air Force tanker mission. Airbus, one of the world’s largest
civilian airliner manufacturers, is an affiliate company of EADS, which
has broad experience in military aircraft and systems.

The A330 military tanker will be equipped with three refueling points:
the advanced centerline boom installed under the fuselage, and a pod
located under each wing with probe-and-drogue-type fueling systems that
are unreeled in flight.

EADS’ advanced centerline fueling boom will operate with fly-by-wire
controls and redundant power supply and actuation systems, ensuring
precise, accurate positioning and fuel transfer, as well as a high
degree of redundancy. The boom is to be remotely controlled by an
operator at a flight deck console that features a 3-dimensional viewing
system. Almost four (4) tons (1200 U.S. gallons) of fuel will be
transferred per minute via the boom to the aircraft being refueled in
flight.

http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cgi-bin/client/modele.pl?session=dae.930306.1063891984&prod=25864&modele=release

Matt Wiser · Guest

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