EADS COMMITS MORE THAN $80 MILLION IN COMPANY FUNDING TO DEVELOP SYSTEMS, TECHNOLOGY FOR U.S. TANKER AIRCRAFT
Washington D.C., 16 September 2003
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.
Airbus and EADS have a proven track record in supplying military aircraft to international customers. For example, Airbus A310 transports are used by the German and Canadian air forces, with four (4) of the German Air Force and two (2) of the Royal Canadian Air Force A310s to be converted by EADS into tanker aircraft.
In addition, the Airbus Military Company is developing its A400M multi-role airlifter for strategic operations, tactical service and in-theater tanker missions.
About EADS North America
EADS North America is the holding company for the North American activities of EADS, one of the world’s largest aerospace and defense companies. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over $6 billion to the U.S. economy annually. With ten operating units and investments in 33 cities and the District of Columbia, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense agencies across the U.S.
EADS North America subsidiaries: American Eurocopter Corporation, Grand Prairie, Tx.; Astrium North America, Houston, Tx.; Barfield, Inc., Miami, Fl.; EADS Aeroframe Services, Lake Charles, La.; EADS CASA Aircraft USA, Chantilly, Va.; EADS Socata Aircraft, Pembroke Pines, Fl.; EADS Supply & Services, Rockville, Md.; EADS Telecom North America, Addison, Tx.; Fairchild Controls Corporation, Frederick, Md.; TYX, Reston, Va.
About EADS
EADS is the second largest aerospace and defence company in the world with revenues of 29.9 billion Euros in 2002, and a workforce of more than 100,000. It is a systems integrator and as such is one of the few companies worldwide capable of combining various products and technologies to form complete systems and offering the associated services. The EADS Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world’s largest helicopter supplier, Eurocopter and the joint venture MBDA, the second largest missile producer in the global market. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, is the prime contractor for the Ariane launcher, develops the A400M military transport aircraft and is the largest industrial partner for the European satellite navigation system, Galileo. EADS has more than 70 sites in France, Germany, Great Britain and Spain, and is active in many regions worldwide, including the United States, Russia and Asia.
Contacts:
DIANE MURPHY
VP, COMMUNICATIONS AND PR
EADS North America
Washington, D.C.
Tel: 202 292 5183
diane.murphy@eadsnorthamerica.com
MIGUEL SANCHEZ VP, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
EADS CASA
Madrid, Spain Tel: 34 91 585 77 89
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