Will Submit The KC-45 In The Tanker Modification Program
EADS North America announced Tuesday that it intends to submit a
proposal on July 9, 2010, offering the KC-45 in the U.S. Air
Force’s tanker modernization program.
The European-based manufacturer says the KC-45 is the only
aircraft flying today that meets the U.S. Air Force’s tanker
requirements as outlined in its KC-X Request for Proposal
(RFP).
“We will offer a modern, more capable tanker in response
to the Defense Department’s decision to encourage competition
for this major taxpayer investment,” said EADS North America
Chairman Ralph D. Crosby, Jr.
EADS North America says it will build and modify the KC-45,
along with A330 commercial freighters, at an EADS North
America/Airbus production facility to be constructed in Mobile,
Alabama. The KC-45 program and aircraft production/modification
center will create and support tens of thousands of high-value
American jobs while making a long-term investment in the
nation’s economy at a time when other aerospace companies are
outsourcing production overseas.
“This tanker competition is all about the warfighter and
the aircraft that most successfully meets their requirements. The
KC-45 offers what the Air Force needs today: a modern military
tanker that is in production now with deliveries beginning this
year,” said Sean O’Keefe, EADS North America Chief
Executive Officer. “Not only does the KC-45 offer the best
value and a huge capability advantage over the competition, it also
will support tens of thousands of jobs across America by expanding
our nation’s industrial aerospace capacity.”
The KC-45 is the U.S. military version of the proven A330 Multi
Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). To date 28 aircraft have been ordered
by four U.S. allies. The MRTT has transferred more than 265,000
lbs. of fuel to a range of military aircraft – from F-16 and
F/A-18 fighters to the E-3 AWACS – using the same refueling
systems offered on the KC-45. “Our aircraft has demonstrated
its unparalleled capability by refueling a variety of military
aircraft utilizing both boom and hose and drogue systems, as well
as by operating in the receiving position,” said Crosby.
“We’re progressing forward in discussions to expand
the ranks of our nearly 200 current U.S. suppliers, some of which
are joining us for today’s announcement,” continued
O’Keefe.
EADS says the KC-45's fly-by-wire Aerial Refueling Boom System
(ARBS) has a fuel offload rate of 1,200 U.S. gallons per minute.
They claim the system’s all-electric fly-by-wire technology
ensures enhanced controllability and safety that greatly aids the
boom operator and receiver aircraft's pilot.
The KC-45 also carries an all-digital hose and drogue system for
probe-equipped aircraft. The under-wing refueling pods have the
capability to deliver up to 420 gallons of fuel per minute through
90-ft.-long hoses at refueling speeds from 180 to 325 knots. EADS
says the KC-45 will also feature a modern fuselage refueling unit,
common with that of allied MRTT users such as the United
Kingdom.