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EADS Boom System completes major fuel offload test
Arlington, Virginia, July 09, 2007
System prepared for in-flight fuel transfers
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
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.
