Thu, Jul 24, 2008
One Step Closer To Production For KC-X Competitor
The advanced Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS) destined for
the Northrop Grumman/EADS KC-45 Tanker has performed multiple
aerial contacts with an operational Airborne Warning and Control
System (AWACS) aircraft, confirming its ability to support large
aircraft in US, NATO, and allied air forces.
Northrop tells ANN the test mission fulfilled several key flight
and program milestones for the KC-45's all-electric, fly-by-wire
Aerial Refueling Boom System, including sustaining one of the
tanker-to-receiver aircraft contacts to simulate large offloads.
The continued successful testing of the ARBS is further indication
of the boom system's maturity and readiness for the US Air Force's
next generation KC-45 Tanker.
"The accomplishment of yet another key ARBS test program
milestone is proof of the maturity of our aerial refueling
capability and of the KC-45's readiness to fulfill our promise to
the US Air Force and the joint warfighter," said Paul Meyer,
Northrop Grumman vice president and general manager of air mobility
systems. "The Air Force has clearly stated they need this
capability as soon as possible to replace the aging KC-135 fleet,
and we offer the lowest risk, most capable solution now."
The July 18 test used the exact ARBS configuration proposed for
the KC-45, and was controlled by a former US Air Force boom
operator. The KC-45's all-electric ARBS provides highly accurate,
reliable in-flight refueling, with a maximum nominal fuel flow rate
of 1,200 US gallons per minute. Because this boom has the largest
envelope of any available in the industry, both the AWACS crew and
the boom operator were impressed with the relative ease and
efficiency of the refueling operation -- which replicated
conditions of operational mission scenarios with the KC-45 boom and
the large receiver aircraft. This follows previous in-flight
evaluations that confirmed the ARBS' excellent handling qualities
with large receiver platforms along with smaller and faster combat
aircraft that has included the F-16, F-1, F/A-18 and C101 in
previous testing.
Modern fly-by-wire technology incorporated in the ARBS provides
enhanced controllability and includes an automatic load alleviation
system that greatly aids the boom operator -- as well as the
receiver aircraft's pilot -- during refueling operations.
"The ARBS is the cornerstone of the most advanced and mature
Tanker in the world today and that's exactly what we must provide
to our American men and woman in uniform," said John Young, CEO of
EADS North America Tankers.
More News
Airbus Racer Demonstrator Makes Inaugural Flight Airbus Helicopters' ambitious Racer demonstrator has achieved its inaugural flight as part of the Clean Sky 2 initiative, a corners>[...]
A little Bit Quieter, Said Testers, But in the End it's Still a DA40 Diamond Aircraft recently completed a little pilot project with Lufthansa Aviation Training, putting a pair of >[...]
Line Up And Wait (LUAW) Used by ATC to inform a pilot to taxi onto the departure runway to line up and wait. It is not authorization for takeoff. It is used when takeoff clearance >[...]
Contributing To The Accident Was The Pilot’s Use Of Methamphetamine... Analysis: The pilot departed on a local flight to perform low-altitude maneuvers in a nearby desert val>[...]
From 2015 (YouTube Version): Overcoming Obstacles To Achieve Their Dreams… At EAA AirVenture 2015, FedEx arrived with one of their Airbus freight-hauling aircraft and placed>[...]
Airbus Racer Helicopter Demonstrator First Flight Part of Clean Sky 2 Initiative
See All