Northrop Grumman's KC-30 Tanker Aerial Refueling Boom System Successfully Completes Electrostatic Discharge Tests
NORTHROP GRUMMAN NEWS RELEASE
MELBOURNE, Fla., Aug. 23, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) KC-30 Tanker advanced Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS) has passed another key technical milestone with the successful completion of electrostatic discharge tests.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://media.primezone.com/noc/
The tests involved an instantaneous electrical charge of 200,000 volts on the boom's nozzle, simulating the arc that could be produced when the ARBS makes contact with a receiver aircraft during in-flight refueling. The evaluations were performed with a fully functional ARBS being developed by Northrop Grumman KC-30 Team member EADS and installed on an A310 demonstrator aircraft.
"The KC-30 Tanker team continues to offer the U.S. Air Force a low-risk tanker because of the investment our allies are making in the development of their A330-based tankers," said Paul Meyer, Northrop Grumman's vice president and general manager of the KC-30 Tanker program. "Offering the Air Force proven technology and a superior, commercially successful aircraft means we will deliver the most capable tanker on time."
Electrostatic build-up can occur on any airplane because of in-flight atmospheric conditions, and high voltage discharges may be produced during aerial refueling when a boom touches its receiver aircraft. The successful ground-based electrostatic tests confirmed the ARBS and its fly-by-wire control system are unaffected by such potential large electrical spikes.
As a result, the A310 demonstrator aircraft is prepared for its next phase of ARBS flight tests, which will involve in-flight contacts and airborne fuel transfers with a full range of receiver aircraft.
The ARBS is the most modern boom in operation today, and delivers a maximum nominal fuel flow rate of 1,200 gallons per minute. It features an automatic load alleviation system that provides a large refueling envelope and enhanced controllability, which greatly aid the boom operator and the receiving aircraft's pilot during refueling operations. The boom's all-electric design significantly reduces traditional failure rates and subsequent down time.
Northrop Grumman's KC-30 Tanker is fitted with a centerline-mounted ARBS and hose and drogue unit, along with two underwing hose and drogue refueling pods. This enables the KC-30 Tanker to refuel a full range of U.S. and NATO military aircraft. The KC-30's hose and drogue system is already flying on U.S., German and Canadian Air Force tankers.
The KC-30 Tanker aircraft is based on the EADS A330 Multi-role Tanker Transport, which was selected to support the air forces of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. The first Australian Air Force KC-30B is executing a rigorous flight test program with all refueling systems installed on the aircraft.
The KC-30 Tanker aircraft will be assembled in Mobile, Ala., and employ 25,000 American workers at 230 U.S. companies. It will be built by a world-class industrial team led by Northrop Grumman, and includes EADS North America, General Electric Aviation and Sargent Fletcher.
About the KC-30: Northrop Grumman's KC-30 Tanker carries 45,000 more pounds of fuel than a KC-135 or any competitor, providing a significant boost to the U.S. Air Force's global reach. The KC-30 is also designed to refuel Navy and coalition aircraft, and to serve as a multi-role transport aircraft to move passengers, cargo and medical evacuation patients. The KC-30 incorporates defense systems, precision fly-by-wire technology, and the ability to integrate a militarized communications suite and a global support network.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $30 billion global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.
CONTACT: Randy Belote
Northrop Grumman Corporation
(703) 875-8525
randy.belote@ngc.com
Tim Paynter
Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems
(321) 961-1101
tim.paynter@ngc.com
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