EADS North America underscores Aerial Refueling and homeland security capabilities at the Paris Air Show
First KC-30B for the Royal Australian Air Force joins EADS' Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS) testbed aircraft and German A310 tanker at Le Bourget
Le Bourget, France, 15 June 2007
EADS North America will have a high-profile presence at the 2007 Paris Air Show, with displays of aircraft and hardware highlighting the company’s U.S. market capabilities in advanced aerial refueling, homeland security and threat detection.
Among the most visible exhibits at Le Bourget Airport will be three aircraft that showcase the in-flight military tanker expertise of parent company EADS. One of these is the first mission-equipped KC-30B multi-role tanker/transport for the Royal Australian Air Force, the second is EADS’ testbed aircraft for the company’s Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS) and the third is a German Air Force A310 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).
“EADS is building the world’s most capable military tankers, and the Paris Air Show provides us an opportunity to demonstrate this fact first-hand,” said Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., Chairman and CEO of EADS North America.
The Royal Australian Air Force’s KC-30B on display at Le Bourget is outfitted with its fly-by-wire Aerial Refueling Boom System – the most advanced fuel transfer system of its type – along with two underwing hose and drogue refueling pods. This aircraft recently completed ground testing to validate the installation of its refueling equipment package and has begun the flight evaluation program that will lead to its eventual delivery to Australia.
The KC-30B’s combination of centerline-mounted ARBS and underwing hose and drogue pods enable the Royal Australian Air Force to support its own fighters, strategic airlifters and AWACS assets, while also offering full aerial refueling compatibility with other U.S., NATO and allied military aircraft. Its configuration is similar to the Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker, which is being proposed for the U.S. Air Force KC-135 tanker replacement program. EADS North America is a principal subcontractor to Northrop Grumman on the KC-30 Tanker industrial team.
Joining the Australian KC-30B at the Paris Air Show is EADS’ Aerial Refueling Boom System testbed aircraft, which has logged more than 100 flight hours to validate the aerial refueling system’s capabilities. The A310 testbed has facilitated evaluation of the boom in a full range of deployment conditions. The ARBS will be used for airborne fuel transfers to a variety of receiver aircraft.
In addition, one of four A310 MRTTs slated for delivery to the German Air Force will participate in the flight program at Le Bourget. The German tankers carry a pair of underwing hose and drogue refueling pods, and are configured to provide tanker support for probe-equipped military aircraft. A refueling operator’s station is located in the cabin behind the cockpit.
In the homeland security sector, EADS’ Paris Air Show exhibit includes three advanced sensors that have adapted company-developed technologies for portable threat detection applications at the initiative of EADS North America’s new Homeland Security Program Office.
The Laser Ion Mobility Spectroscopy (LIMS) sensor identifies chemical and explosive threats, as well as drugs, while the Bio Detection System provides very fast detection of biological threats in drinking water. EADS’ Neutron Activation-based system is designed for the multi-purpose detection of chemical, radiological, explosive and nuclear material threats, as well as drugs and other substances.
Two of these homeland security sensors – the Laser Ion Mobility Spectroscopy (LIMS) sensor and the Bio Detection System – were evolved from development activity at EADS’ Innovation Works corporate research center, while the Neutron Activation sensor is based on defense and industrial systems already fielded by EADS SODERN.
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
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