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Second FSTA aircraft makes maiden flight

28 October 2010

AirTanker, of which Thales UK is a shareholder, has confirmed that the second Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) for the UK Royal Air Force has successfully completed its maiden flight from the Airbus Military facility at Getafe, Madrid following its conversion.

Converted from a basic A330-200 by Airbus Military, the aircraft flew for exactly two hours in the evening of 26 October. The crew reported that the aircraft, its systems, and two Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines performed entirely satisfactorily.

The aircraft joins the first FSTA, which made its maiden flight on 16 September, in a comprehensive flight-test programme which will lead to first delivery to the RAF towards the end of next year. This marks another key achievement in the FSTA programme, which continues to run on schedule.

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About Thales and Thales UK

Thales is a global technology leader for the defence & security and the aerospace & transport markets. In 2009 the company generated revenues of £11.5 billion (€12.9 billion), with 68,000 employees in 50 countries. With its 22,500 engineers and researchers Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equip¬ment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers as local partners.

Thales UK employs 8,500 staff based at 40 locations. In 2009 Thales UK's revenues were around £1.5 billion.