RAAF A330 MRTT progress

[Going Boeing]

EADS Completes Successfully 1st Flight Test phase A330 MRTT Aircraft

(Madrid, February 14, 2008) -- The first A330 MRTT prototype MSN747 has landed today at EADS MTAD facilities in Getafe, Madrid at 12:15h local time after completing Phase 1 of the flight testing that has been primarily devoted to civil certification. EADS MTAD has officially announced the conclusion of a key Australian A330 MRTT programme milestone.

Flight Test Phase 1 has been conducted in just 3 months logging up a total of 63 flights and 202 flight hours.

During this phase, the A330 MRTT has proven to be extremely reliable fulfilling the flight test programme in accordance to the flight test schedule. The A330 MRTT has behaved as expected, showing that the modifications introduced to the MRTT configuration (including refuelling pods and boom) had no significant effect on the aircraft's performance. The flight test programme has met all defined test objectives. The flight test campaign was oriented to analyze the behavior of the aircraft with regard to the following disciplines: anemometry & clinometry, handling qualities, buffet, flutter, loads, performance, flight controls (new tanker and receiver adapted control laws), new autopilot mode (bank angle) and the antenna re-location.

The results of loads, performance and handling qualities measured during flight test have shown full consistency with the data calculated by design. Also, it has been verified that the aircraft is Buffet-free and Flutter-free in the whole flight envelope until maximum design speed (MD/VD) after the military modification.

During this flight test phase, the full flight envelope has been validated and no limitations or restrictions have been found.

In addition to the above disciplines involved in the civil certification, the following military development tests have also been performed: Hose deployment and stability, proximity flights in receiver mode (A310 Boom demo acting as tanker) and proximity flights in tanker mode (F18 acting as receiver).

The flight control laws that have been successfully tested and will provide the aircraft superior handling qualities characteristics in the new roles of the aircraft as tanker and receiver. To enhance the capabilities of the aircraft an electronic tail bumper has also been incorporated to minimize the possibility of a tail-strike at take-off.

The Flight Test Phase 1 has been conducted at Getafe and Toulouse depending on the requirements of the flight test program, involving EADS MTAD and Airbus Flight Test organizations. In addition, the RAAF crew has also participated in some of the flight test activities.Additionally, the Phase 1 Flight Test Programme has also included formal certification flights with the participation of the civil European Authority (EASA).

The reliability of the modified A330 MRTT and its state-of-the-art flight test instrumentation has been outstanding: Not a single flight has been delayed or cancelled due to a technical failure. This is a good example of the excellent capabilities this aircraft will provide to the RAAF.

Source : EADS

[Aussie]

Looks like things are on track :ok:

Good job. On that note, anyone know when 33sqn are making the journey up to Amberley? The first aircraft is suppose to arrive in Amberley not Richmond, yeh?

[Flyingblind]

Good to hear that at least one major DoD procurement is proceeding according to plan, thing is, we need more than originally bought.

[BigKitten]

ahhhhh....the source is EADS........what did you expect them to say...........would be good to hear from the RAAF guys involved there, but I don't think that's going to happen.

I seriously doubt everything's on track.

[Wiley]

Good to hear that at least one major DoD procurement is proceeding according to planCall me a cynic, but I'll believe this program comes in on time, on budget and delivering the product as promised when I see it.

...and a press release from EADS saying all's going well does not constitute "seeing it".

[strobe12]

in flight!http://cdn-www.airliners.net/photo/Australia---Air/Airbus-A330-203-MRTT/1327857/L/?width=1280&height=972&sok=&photo_nr=&prev_id=&next_id=

[Schwerpunkt]

I understand that there is already a detachment in the new Amberley headquarters, to 'take possession' of the building and commence working on SOPs. More people will follow on 1 July this year, when the 'new' 33 Squadron officially commences operating from Amberley. Others will slowly fill up the unit strength over the next 1 to 2 years as training courses are run for the various trades and aircrew categories to meet scheduled aircraft deliveries.

Others will remain in Richmond to dispose of the aircraft, parts, hangar and HQ building.

[Going Boeing]

USAF Selects NGC to Provide the New KC-45A Aerial Refueling Tanker

(Los Angeles, February 29, 2008) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) announced today that it has been selected by the U.S. Air Force to provide the KC-45A aerial refueling tanker for the KC-135 tanker replacement program. The Air Force's KC-45A is based on the highly-successful A330 commercial airframe, produced by EADS.

"We are excited to partner with the Air Force for their number one acquisition priority, the KC-45A Tanker," said Ronald D. Sugar, Northrop Grumman chairman and chief executive officer. "Northrop Grumman's vast expertise in aerospace design, development and systems integration will ensure our nation's warfighters receive the most capable and versatile tanker ever built. The Northrop Grumman KC-45A tanker will be a game changer."

The initial KC-45A contract provides four System Design and Development aircraft and is valued at $1.5 billion. The first KC-45A airframe completed its first flight on Sept. 25, 2007 and will now begin military conversion to the tanker configuration. The KC-45A's Aerial Refueling Boom System is currently in flight test and has successfully performed numerous in-flight contacts with receiver aircraft.

"Clearly the U.S. Air Force conducted a thorough and transparent competition in choosing their new tanker, which resulted in selection of the aircraft that best meets their current and future requirements," said Gary Ervin, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector. "By selecting the most capable and modern aircraft, the Air Force has embraced a system that provides a best-value solution to our armed forces and our nation."

Source : Northrop Grumman Corporation

EADS to Expand in US After Winning KC-30 Tanker Deal

EADS to expand its U.S. industrial presence following selection of Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker
- Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker aircraft selected by U.S. Air Force is based on A330 MRTT
- EADS and Airbus have begun work on U.S. facilities to support tanker programme

(Amsterdam, February 29, 2008) -- Selection of the Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker by the U.S. Air Force, a system based on EADS' A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) and designated by the USAF as the KC-45A, will significantly increase EADS' industrial presence and commitment in the United States, as well as its role as a U.S.-based defence and homeland security provider.

EADS North America is the partner to Northrop Grumman on the new tanker, with responsibility for assembling airframes and providing completed flight-qualified aircraft and refuelling sub-systems.

The KC-45A Tanker is based on the EADS A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport). Its airframe is derived from the popular A330 jetliner produced by EADS' Airbus Division, of which more than 880 have been ordered worldwide in passenger and freighter configurations. The Military Transport Aircraft Division (MTAD) is responsible within the EADS Group for all military derivative programmes based on Airbus platforms, including tankers.

This latest success in a series of competitions worldwide confirms the EADS-based military tanker as the best solution available on the market. Following its purchase by the Royal Australian Air Force, the MRTT solution has been officially ordered by the Royal Saudi Air Force and the UAE Air Force, as well as selected by the Royal Air Force of the UK.

Selection of the KC-45A Tanker was announced today by the U.S. Air Force, culminating a multi-year evaluation. The programme award calls for 179 aircraft with an estimated contract value of US$ 40 billion. The initial KC-45A contract for Northrop Grumman covers four System Design and Development aircraft and is valued at US$ 1.5 billion.

Louis Gallois, CEO of EADS, stated: "We have committed our energies to this important U.S. Air Force programme and to our team mate Northrop Grumman. Selecting a tanker based on the A330 MRTT will provide the U.S. Air Force with the most modern and capable tanker aircraft available today."

He added: "This major selection is a win-win for our customers, for allied industrial cooperation and for EADS. It signals a quantum leap forward in our commitment to the U.S. defence customer, reflects and supports our global strategy to increase EADS' industrial presence in key markets and our goal to balance the company's defence and commercial portfolios."

Tom Enders, President and CEO of Airbus said: "Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force can count on the full resources of Airbus to support the KC-45A tanker's production and delivery. All four System Design and Development aircraft are already in production. Preparatory work is now underway for our commitment to co-locate the final assembly of the tankers and A330 civilian freighter aircraft at Mobile, Alabama, creating the first new large commercial aircraft assembly facility in the U.S. in over 40 years."

Carlos Suarez, Chairman of EADS CASA and Head of Military Transport Aircraft Division stated: "This selection is a monumental achievement and firmly establishes the A330 MRTT as the state-of-the-art air refuelling system. The A330 MRTT platform now has won five consecutive global competitions and is clearly the standard for new-generation tankers worldwide."

"We are proud that the U.S. Air Force chose the Northrop Grumman/EADS team to modernize its aerial refuelling fleet," said EADS North America Chairman and CEO Ralph D. Crosby, Jr. "EADS has committed our full resources to support this vital programme for our prime contractor, Northrop Grumman, the U.S. Air Force and the warfighters that this system will serve for decades to come. We already have begun the work necessary to expand our U.S. industrial footprint in support of this important programme."

EADS has made major investments in the KC-45A Tanker, as well as its international tanker programmes, spending more than US$ 100 million to develop the aircraft's advanced Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS), while also building the first airframe - which made its maiden flight last September, and will now begin military conversion to the full aerial cargo configuration.

Production of KC-45A airframes will be performed at Airbus' new Mobile, Alabama aerospace centre of excellence which houses the Airbus KC-45A final assembly facility. In addition the final assembly of Airbus A330 civilian freighters will be performed there, providing a robust final assembly line to ensure low risk, high efficiency and increased capacity for both the U.S. Air Force and commercial Airbus customers.

Source : EADS

Boeing Statement on USAF Aerial Refueling Tanker Decision

(St. Louis, February 29, 2008) -- We were just informed that our KC-767 Advanced Tanker proposal was not selected in the KC-135 Replacement Program known as KC-X.

Obviously we are very disappointed with this outcome. We believe that we offered the Air Force the best value and lowest risk tanker for its mission. Our next step is to request and receive a debrief from the Air Force. Once we have reviewed the details behind the award, we will make a decision concerning our possible options, keeping in mind at all times the impact to the warfighter and our nation.

The Boeing Company would like to thank the many people who helped us in this campaign. We have received tremendous support from our suppliers, elected federal/state/local leaders, unions, community groups, and the 160,738 men and women who work for Boeing.

Source : Boeing

The political ramifications behind this decision could be huge. There will be shock waves in Washington because the Defence Department has gone against the wishes of the politicians from states where Boeing have plants. I cannot recall the US military ever making a major defence procurement offshore before this. I suspect that Boeing burnt themselves during the first tanker procurement process when they tendered a hugely inflated price (thinking that it was a "done deal"). The Defence Department have now sent a signal to all their other suppliers that gouging will not be tolerated.

[Buster Hyman]

keeping in mind at all times the impact to the warfighter and our nation.

OMFG!!! We bought French stuff! We're Dooooooomed!!!!:rolleyes:

[Going Boeing]

(Washington, February 29, 2008) -- Secretary of the Air Force, Michael W. Wynne, and Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, announced the selection of Northrop Grumman Corporation, headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif., as the winner of the KC-X competition for development and procurement of up to 179 tanker aircraft for approximately $35 billion.

The initial contract for the newly-named KC-45 is for the system design and development of four test aircraft for $1.5 billion. This contract also includes five production options targeted for 64 aircraft at $10.6 billion.

"The tanker is our number one procurement priority right now. Buying the new KC-45A is a major step forward and another demonstration of our commitment to recapitalizing our Eisenhower-era inventory of these critical national assets. Today is not just important for the Air Force, however. It's important for the entire Joint military team, and important for our coalition partners as well. The KC-45A will revolutionize our ability to employ tankers and will ensure the Air Force's future ability to provide our nation with truly Global Vigilance, Reach, and Power," said General McNabb.

"It is the first step in our critical commitment to recapitalize our aging fleet to move, supply, and position assets anywhere. In this global Air Force business, the critical element for air bridge, global Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, and global strike is the tanker," said General McNabb.

The KC-45A will provide significantly greater air refueling capabilities than the current fleet of Eisenhower-era KC-135s it will begin replacing. For example, it will be able to refuel Air Force and Navy aircraft on every flight. These aircraft have different systems for receiving fuel and today the KC-135s must be set up for one or the other before takeoff. The KC-45A will be equipped for both systems on every flight and will also have connections for wing pods. When wing pods are installed, it can refuel two probe-equipped aircraft, such as Navy and many allied aircraft, at the same time. It can even be refueled in flight by other tankers.

The KC-45A will also have defensive systems that allow it to go into dangerous environments that are currently avoided. It will also supplement our airlift fleet by carrying cargo, passengers, and medical patients in a secondary role.

The KC-X source selection used a "best value" determination to select a winner based on five factors: Mission Capability, Proposal Risk, Past Performance, Cost/Price, and an Integrated Fleet Air Refueling Assessment (performance in a simulated war scenario). These five factors were developed after consulting with industry and were finalized prior to starting the competition. Considered together, these grading criteria ensured the Air Force maximized the capability delivered to the warfighter while optimizing the taxpayers' investment.

The Air Force followed a carefully structured process, designed to provide transparency, maintain integrity and promote fair competition. The Air Force met with offerors on numerous occasions to gain a thorough understanding of their proposals and provide feedback on their strengths and weaknesses. The Air Force also provided insight into government cost estimates throughout the process instead of waiting until the post-decision debrief. The competitors indicated they were pleased with the degree of communication.

The evaluation team was comprised of experts covering a broad spectrum of specialties from acquisition to operations and was hand-picked from across the Air Force and other government agencies.

As part of the process, the Air Force will now provide a written notice to both the selected and not-selected and offer to provide a debrief on their bid proposals. To maintain the integrity of that process, the Air Force will be unable to provide additional information about the proposals and contract.

"Today's announcement is the culmination of years of tireless work and attention to detail by our Acquisition professionals and source selection team, who have been committed to maintaining integrity, providing transparency, and promoting a fair competition for this critical aircraft program," said Secretary Wynne. "Through these efforts, we believe we will provide a higher-value resource to the warfighter and the taxpayer."

Source : US Air Force

GE's CF6 Engines To Power USAF Tanker Replacement Program

(Cincinnati, OH., March 3, 2008) -- General Electric Company CF6 engines will power the Northrop Grumman KC-45A aircraft, which was selected Friday by the United States Air Force (USAF) for its tanker replacement program.

The USAF KC-X program calls for 179 tankers, and is the first of three phases to begin replacing the USAF tanker fleet. Including engines, thrust reversers, the flight management system, and services, the approximate value to GE is more than $5 billion (USD) over the life of the program. Initial production engines are scheduled to be delivered in 2010.

"We are extremely pleased to support the Air Force in its number one acquisition priority, and we look forward to delivering a breadth of capability throughout the life of this program," said Scott Donnelly, president and chief executive officer of GE Aviation.

Northrop Grumman Corporation selected the GE CF6-80E1 engine, which has accumulated almost four million flight-hours in commercial operation on the Airbus A330 aircraft, on which the KC-45A is based. The KC-45A will benefit from a Tech CF6 program, launched in 2007 to incorporate advanced technology into the engine's high-pressure turbine area. New technologies include high-pressure turbine airfoil cooling advancements that will enhance operational reliability, lower maintenance costs and improve fuel burn retention.

The KC-45A Tanker carries 45,000 more pounds of fuel than current tanker aircraft, providing a significant boost to the USAF's global reach. It 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 CF6 engine family is in service with more than 250 customers worldwide, including Australia and Saudi tankers, almost 7,000 engines delivered to date.

Source : General Electric

[Taildragger67]

So... will the aircraft the RAAF and RAF have ordered, now become known as KC-45s?

I can just imagine a flight line - two aircraft on adjacent stands, both looking like militarised A330s - the one on the left, that's a KC-30; the one on the right, that's a KC-45... :confused:

Any clues as to whether the series will get a name (eg. stratotanker, Dakota, etc.)?

[Chronic Snoozer]

How about the 'Sironen' or Sirro for short - cause its a big bastard that offloads.

[Buster Hyman]

I think the RAAF are going to call it KC-and the sunshine band.

[Going Boeing]

EADS MTA 1st In-Flight Wet Contact of its ARBS Successfull
News Category: [Defence-Air]

(Madrid, March 4, 2008) -- The first in-flight wet contact of the EADS MTA Air Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) has successfully been performed using an F-16 aircraft.

This advanced boom system, installed on an Airbus A310 used as a flight test bed, performed the wet contact with the receiver aircraft following the planned procedure, at an altitude of 27000 feet. The contact represented how the ARBS will be used during a typical air-to air refuelling mission. This is the 73rd test flight for the boom system totaling more than 200 flight hours.

Along the Flight Test Program the systems have been validated, the boom aerodynamic and the Flight By Wire control system have demonstrated outstanding handling qualities through the whole envelope, the dry contacts had been cleared in flight. After complete ground test refueling operations today fuel transferences in-flight have been made using F-16s from the Portuguese Air Force. This has been the last milestone in the development of the EADS MTA Boom.

The ARBS has been chosen by four of the five customers for the A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) and the first aircraft equipped with the ARBS will be delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force early next year.

The air forces of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have chosen the A330 MRTT equipped with the ARBS and the same system has been proposed on the KC-30. This is the variant of the A330 MRTT offered by Northrop Grumman, US partner of EADS that has just won the competition to supply 179 tankers to the USAF.

"This is another step forward in our Air Refuelling Boom System programme. It shows our commitment toward the most demanding customers to provide them with the most advanced air-to-air refuelling technologies and systems in the market", said Carlos Suarez, Head of EADS Military Transport Aircraft Division.



Source : EADS

Buster, I love your work!

[Wiley]

With the Seasprite debacle in mind, why is that I suspect that the boom and drogue and damn near everythng else on the RAAF KC30 (or whatever) will be totally different to the USAF kit?

[Like This - Do That]

... will be totally different to the USAF kit

Not at all Wiley ..... the USAF kit will be totally different to OURs. :p

[Aussie]

I think in this case, we will be relying on the Yanks a touch more then they will on us... :{

[Going Boeing]

Wiley, I think that you are right. The fact that the US have ordered 4 "test aircraft" would indicate that they have specified their own fit instead of buying what other countries have ordered. The last article that I posted indicates the same boom being offered for the US aircraft - probably will have US made Probe & Drogue systems instead of the FR made systems. There should at least be airframe/engine compatability between RAAF/USAF tankers.

[Taildragger67]

That EADS press release indicated that wet transfers had been made between the Airbus boom and a Portuguse F16 - that would be a F16 Falcon made by GD/LM and unless the 'guesies have modded their receptacles, it'll be the same as the receptacles on USAF F16s - hence a US standard.

Now unless the Seppos are planning to change the boom receptable standards on their next generation of fighters, logic suggests to me that if it fits a Falcon, it'll fit an Eagle, a Raptor and a JSF.

But that's logic and this is defence procurement we're talking about... :hmm:


Did anyone else see the irony in the RAAF's first Airbus MRTT having the c/n '747'?

[ChickenLips]

Did anyone else see the irony in the RAAF's first Airbus MRTT having the c/n '747'?

Sure did, 'dragger. Had a quiet little chuckle to myself :D

[600ft-lb]

...All thats left for Qantas to do now, who are supposed to be performing the remaining 330 MRTT conversion in Brisbane, is for them to find some staff that will accept the rediculously low wages on offer.

With a mass exodus of engineers to the sand pit imminent by all accounts I think the Brisbane facility will have enough trouble just providing manpower to maintain the 767 fleet !

Actually come to think of it, 767s start going offshore soon because they can't keep up....oh deary me

[Going Boeing]

NGC Responds to Comments Concerning USAF KC-45A Award Decision
(Los Angeles, March 5, 2008) -- When the process to replace America's aging fleet of KC-135 aerial refueling tankers began in 2005, the U.S. Air Force made clear that it wanted a full and fair competition. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) entered the competition with the understanding that if its proposal provided the best value to the warfighter and the American taxpayer, it could win the contract.

Since the Air Force's decision to award Northrop Grumman the KC-45A contract was announced, numerous erroneous comments have been repeated in the media and in Congress. In response, the company wants to make the following points clear:

Industrial Base
* The Northrop Grumman KC-45A tanker program will create a new aerospace manufacturing corridor in the southeastern United States.
* The KC-45A program helps return competitiveness to the U.S. aerospace industry.

Jobs
* The Northrop Grumman KC-45A tanker program does not transfer any jobs from the United States to France or any other foreign country.
* The KC-45A tanker will support more than 25,000 jobs in the United States.
* The KC-45A U.S. supplier base will include 230 companies in 49 states.
* Assembly and militarization of the KC-45A tanker will take place in Mobile, Ala., resulting in the creation of approximately 2,000 direct jobs in the United States.

Acquisition Process
* The KC-45A competition underwent the most rigorous, transparent acquisition process in U.S. Department of Defense history.
* Throughout the process, both competitors in the KC-45A acquisition hailed the Air Force for conducting a fair and open competition.

Foreign Content
* All modern jetliners are built from a global supplier base and the two entrants in the KC-45A competition are no exception. The Boeing tanker includes parts manufactured in Japan, United Kingdom, Canada and Italy. The Northrop Grumman tanker includes parts built in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain and France.
* The Northrop Grumman KC-45A will include approximately 60 percent U.S. content. It is America's tanker.

Foreign Suppliers to U.S. Military Programs
* There are numerous examples of transatlantic cooperation on vital U.S. military programs. Foreign suppliers currently play essential roles in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the VH-71 Presidential Helicopter. In fact, on the C-27J Joint Cargo Aircraft program, Boeing is responsible for producing the Alenia Aeronautica (Italy) aircraft in Jacksonville, Fla.
* No sensitive military technology will be exported to Europe. For the KC-45A program, a commercial A330 jetliner will be assembled by American workers in EADS's facility in Mobile. The aircraft will then undergo military conversion in an adjacent Northrop Grumman facility. All of the KC-45A's critical military technology will be
added by an American company, Northrop Grumman, in America, in Mobile Ala.

Source : Northrop Grumman Corporation

[Going Boeing]

Cobham Equipment Selected for USAF Tanker Programme

(February 29, 2008) -- Cobham plc ('Cobham') congratulates Northrop Grumman on the selection of the KC-45A by the USAF for the multi billion dollar tanker programme and is pleased to confirm that the Group's all digital hose and drogue refuelling pods ('pods') will be fitted for under wing and fuselage refuelling. The aircraft will also be fitted with Cobham antennas and avionics equipment. It is anticipated that the total value to Cobham over the life of the programme will be up to $1bn.

The pods carry their own power system and can offload approximately 420 gallons of fuel per minute. They are fitted with 90 ft. long hoses and are designed for use with probe-equipped receiver aircraft, and are mounted on pre-existing outboard wing structures under the aircraft's wings. Cobham's fuselage refuelling unit, which also utilises the hose and drogue system, will also be part of the [KC-45's] refuelling capability. It is located within the aircraft fuselage, near the boom and can be used to refuel probe equipped Navy, Marine and allied forces aircraft. Cobham's antennas and avionics equipment are standard equipment on the A330.

Allan Cook, Cobham Chief Executive said:
"I am absolutely delighted that we will be continuing our long association with the USAF and Northrop Grumman on such an important programme. This is a huge boost to our business and gives us an excellent platform for further investment in our technology, capability and product offering to the customer."

Source : Cobham plc

[GaryGnu]

Chronic Snoozer

How about the 'Sironen' or Sirro for short - cause its a big bastard that offloads.

As a life long Tigers fan and aviation enthusiast all I can say is....... bring it on.

SIRRO....SIRRRO..SIRRO

Even now on Leichardt Oval Hill it still sounds alright as we watch Benji step the entire opposing defence and flick pass it inside for a try.

[Buster Hyman]

Now, are the Yanks buying a Block 4 A330? Or, as the French would say Blocque de sheet! Can't have foreigners fiddling around with state of the art French FMS' can we?:rolleyes:

[woodja51]

Not wishing to sound negative but as an ex RAAF tanker driver and an Airbus 330 pilot with lotsa hours on type, I wonder if Northrop will change all the wiring harnesses away from Kapton which was the original fit in the 707 tanker convert by IAI (and had to be rewired after several wing root fires etc... ) cos that is the type that Airbus use on its fleet....
I assume that the RAAF tanker guys are aware of this on the new MRTT... these harnesses don't react well to combat damage but maybe the technology has changed .

I am sure that with all large projects this one will have a few issues that the congress men will say makes it badly handled no matter what the facts!!

woodj

[RampDog]

Go the Tigers, but get with the times fellas.... the big bloke who offloads... it's got to be Willy Mason. Let's just call the MRTT "Big Willy"!!:}

PS Both beasts have plenty of bling

PPS I happen to be a St.George diehard, so there is no bias:ok:

[MTOW]

A French two holer with a thickish and rather long drogue hanging off each wing? 'Big Willie' sounds about as near a perfect name as I can think of.

[Buster Hyman]

So, by your analogy, that would mean the Hornets are now called the Hopoate's!!!!:eek:

[RampDog]

"Hopoate" in the context of sticking a rocket up an opponent's tailpipe would be a very good fit.:eek:
For those that don't follow Rugby League ---

http://www.squackle.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=submit;action=display;num=1053472499

[Taildragger67]

OK in keeping with the 'legends of league' them, I suggest we call them 'Wombats', after the great - no, make that 'the legend that is' - Graham Eadie.

But the 'Hopoate' suggestion has a certain attraction to it! :E

Actually on that basis you could rename the F111s the 'Gillmeister' fleet - they live in Queensland, are pretty robust and smash up anything in their path (dunno about the Mach 2 bit, though)

[FoxtrotAlpha18]

Nurse: "What's the diagnosis, Doctor Bob?"

Doc: "Possibly THE worst case of thread drift I have ever seen, Nurse Smithers...there's not much we can do I'm afraid."

Nurse: "But surely you're not giving up just like that, Doctor Bob?"

;)

[Buster Hyman]

Probe & Drogue to 'Finger up the Jetsy'?....what drift?:confused:

[Going Boeing]

Decision Time Nears for Boeing to Protest AF Tanker Award

(St. Louis, March 10, 2008) -- As the deadline nears for a decision on whether to protest a U.S. Air Force contract award for the next refueling tanker aircraft, officials at Boeing [NYSE: BA] spent the weekend evaluating with growing concern the information provided by the Air Force during a Friday debriefing.

"As we have gone through this process it has become clearer that this competition was much closer than has been reported, and that raises the stakes if the process was flawed and unfair in any way," said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president and program manager for tanker programs. "We have serious concerns over inconsistency in requirements, cost factors and treatment of our commercial data."

As Boeing enters the final phase of its evaluation, the company is taking exception to reports that the Air Force had not received adequate commercial pricing data from the company. "It was clear from the Request for Proposals that the Air Force was seeking a commercial derivative tanker. However, by treating the Boeing offering as a military aircraft, the process by which the commercial cost/price data provided by Boeing Commercial Airplanes was evaluated has raised significant concerns," McGraw said. "We provided unprecedented insight into Boeing commercial cost/price data that had been developed over 50 years of building commercial aircraft. We believe this data was treated differently than our competitor's information.

"It is also important to note that the task of assembling and presenting this commercial data to the Air Force demonstrates the value of cooperation on this program within one company," McGraw added. "This is in sharp contrast to the higher risk involved in two companies from different countries and business cultures who have never worked together on a program of this size before."

Boeing is also responding to assertions that the company somehow misread Air Force requirements for the new tanker. "Our proposal was based on the stated criteria in the Air Force's Request for Proposal, with a specific focus on providing operational tanker capability at low risk and the lowest total life cycle cost," McGraw said. "We stand by our offering and believe that it did, and continues to, best meet the requirements.

"We take a protest very seriously," McGraw said. "For decades, Boeing has been recognized as a defense company that never takes lightly protests of our customers' decisions. We are following a very rigorous and deliberative process to ensure that we are comfortable that the evaluation was fair, and that ultimately it resulted in the tanker that is best suited to meet the needs of the warfighter."

Source : Boeing

Boeing to File Protest of USAF Tanker Contract Award

(Chicago, March 10, 2008) -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] will file a formal protest on Tuesday asking the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review the decision by the U.S. Air Force to award a contract to a team of Northrop Grumman and European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) to replace aerial refueling tankers.

"Our team has taken a very close look at the tanker decision and found serious flaws in the process that we believe warrant appeal," said Jim McNerney, Boeing chairman, president and chief executive officer. "This is an extraordinary step rarely taken by our company, and one we take very seriously."

Following a debriefing on the decision by the Air Force on March 7, Boeing officials spent three days reviewing the Air Force case for its tanker award. A rigorous analysis of the Air Force evaluation that resulted in the Northrop/EADS contract led Boeing to the conclusion that a protest was necessary.

"Based upon what we have seen, we continue to believe we submitted the most capable, lowest risk, lowest Most Probable Life Cycle Cost airplane as measured against the Air Force's Request for Proposal," McNerney said. "We look forward to the GAO's review of the decision."

Boeing said it would provide additional details of its case in conjunction with the protest filing on Tuesday.

Source : Boeing

USAF Completes KC-45A Tanker Debriefing to NGC

(Los Angeles, March 10, 2008) -- The U.S. Air Force completed its debriefing to Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) today and fully explained why the company's KC-45A tanker offering was clearly the superior tanker for the contract to replace the service's aerial refueling tankers.

"We greatly appreciate the customer's rigorous and deliberative debrief today. According to the Air Force, Northrop Grumman's KC-45A was selected because it is more advantageous to the government in the key areas of Mission Capability, Past Performance, Cost/Price, and Integrated Fleet Aerial Refueling Assessment. Our tanker clearly provides the warfighter with the best capability and at the best value to the American taxpayer," said Paul Meyer, Northrop Grumman vice president of Air Mobility Systems and KC-45A program manager. "We are under contract and moving out to get badly needed new tankers into the Air Force fleet as soon as possible."

Over the course of this source selection process, both competitors have repeatedly stated that the Air Force acquisition process for the KC-X program was fair, open and fully transparent. The process employed was unprecedented in many ways because the Air Force involved acquisition personnel from Office of the Secretary Defense and other military services to ensure the use of fair methodologies, and it provided continuing feedback to both companies on their strengths and weaknesses which allowed them to address and resolve issues.

Source : Northrop Grumman Corporation

NGC Sets the Record Straight Concerning the USAF KC-45A Misinformation

(Los Angeles, March 10, 2008) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) said today that since the Air Force's selection of the Northrop Grumman KC-45A, numerous erroneous comments continue to be repeated in the media and in Congress. Northrop Grumman wants to set the record straight on the following points:

Northrop Grumman, a Los Angeles-based company with over 120,000 employees, is the KC-45A tanker prime contractor

- A contract between the U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman Corporation for the Northrop Grumman KC-45A was signed on Feb. 29, 2008.
- Northrop Grumman KC-45A primary subcontractors include EADS-North America, General Electric, Honeywell, AAR Cargo Systems, Sargent Fletcher, Knight Aerospace Products, Parker and Telephonics.

Jobs

- The Northrop Grumman KC-45A U.S. supplier base includes 230 companies in 49 states.
- The Northrop Grumman KC-45A tanker will support more than 25,000 direct and indirect jobs in the United States -- a conservative estimate based upon the U.S. Department of Commerce aerospace industry jobs projection formula.
- Using more recent data from our suppliers and applying the Labor Department's formula for projecting aerospace jobs at the state and regional level, the KC-45A will employ approximately 48,000 direct and indirect jobs nationwide.
- Assembly and militarization of the Northrop Grumman KC-45A tanker will take place in Mobile, Ala., resulting in the creation of 1,500 jobs in the United States.
- Job creation was not a part of the evaluation criteria, in accordance with federal law.
- The Northrop Grumman KC-45A tanker program does not transfer any jobs from the United States to France or any other foreign country.

Repayable Loans / WTO Dispute Issue

- The U.S. Department of Defense ruled that the disputes involving Boeing and Airbus currently being adjudicated by the World Trade Organization were not relevant to the U.S. Air Force's KC-X Tanker competition.

Acquisition Process

- The KC-45A competition underwent the most rigorous, fair and transparent acquisition process in Defense Department history.
- Throughout the process, both competitors in the KC-45A acquisition hailed the Air Force for conducting a fair and open competition.
- The size of the proposed tanker aircraft was not dictated by the Air Force nor was size an established criteria -- each contractor was free to propose the best solution and platform to meet Air Force warfighter requirements.
- Both contractors had ample opportunity in the protracted acquisition and source selection process to propose the best aerial refueling capability to meet the warfighter's requirements.

Reduced Risk to the Government

- The first Northrop Grumman KC-45A tanker aircraft was built in July 2007 and flown in September 2007.
- The Northrop Grumman KC-45A Aerial Refueling Boom System has completed 73 test flights totaling more than 200 flight hours. The boom completed the first in-flight fuel transfer on Feb. 29, 2008 passing 2,000 pounds of fuel to a Portuguese Air Force F-16 combat aircraft.
- The Northrop Grumman KC-45A is based upon the Royal Australian Air Force KC-30B Multirole Tanker -- which has been built, flown, and is undergoing flight tests. It will be delivered on schedule to the Royal Australian Air Force in early 2009.
- Boeing's proposed KC-767AT tanker and refueling boom were never built, flown or tested.

Industrial Base

- The Northrop Grumman KC-45A tanker program will create a new aerospace manufacturing corridor in the southeastern United States.
- The KC-45A program helps return competitiveness to the U.S. aerospace industry.

Foreign Content

- All modern jetliners are built from a global supplier base, and the two entrants in the KC-45A competition are no exception.
- Boeing's proposed tanker includes parts manufactured in Japan, United Kingdom, Canada and Italy.
- Northrop Grumman tanker includes parts built in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain and France -- countries exempt under the Buy America Law.
- The Northrop Grumman KC-45A will include approximately 60 percent U.S. content. It is America's tanker.

Foreign Suppliers to U.S. Military Programs

- There are numerous examples of transatlantic cooperation on vital U.S. military programs. Foreign suppliers currently play essential roles in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the VH-71 Presidential Helicopter and the C-27J Joint Cargo Aircraft program.
- No sensitive military technology will be exported to Europe. For the KC-45A program, a commercial A330 jetliner will be assembled by American workers in EADS's facility in Mobile. The aircraft will then undergo military conversion in an adjacent Northrop Grumman facility. All of the KC-45A's critical military technology will be added by an American company, Northrop Grumman, in America, in Mobile, Ala.

Source : Northrop Grumman Corporation

[Going Boeing]

(St. Louis, April 11, 2008) -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today said the U.S. Air Force's decision to award a contract for the next aerial refueling airplane to the team of Northrop Grumman and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) is at odds with the fact that the Northrop/EADS team's KC-30 is less survivable and more vulnerable to attack than the Boeing KC-767 Advanced Tanker.

The Air Force evaluation cited the Boeing offering to be more advantageous in the critical area of survivability. The evaluators found the KC-767 tanker had almost five times as many survivability discriminators as its competitor.

Speaking this week at the Aerial Refueling Systems Advisory Group (ARSAG) Conference in Orlando, Fla., former U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff and retired Gen. Ronald Fogleman stressed that survivability greatly enhances the operational utility of a tanker.

"When I saw the Air Force's assessment of both candidate aircraft in the survivability area, I was struck by the fact that they clearly saw the KC-767 as a more survivable tanker," Fogleman told the ARSAG audience in his role as a consultant to Boeing's tanker effort. "To be survivable, tanker aircraft must contain systems to identify and defeat threats, provide improved situational awareness to the aircrew to avoid threat areas, and protect the crew in the event of attack. The KC-767 has a superior survivability rating and will have greater operational utility to the joint commander and provide better protection to aircrews that must face real-world threats."

On Feb. 29, the Air Force selected Northrop/EADS' Airbus A330 derivative over Boeing's 767 derivative. Boeing subsequently asked the Government Accountability Office to review the decision, citing numerous irregularities and a flawed process that included deviations from the evaluation and award criteria established by the service for the competition.

During the Air Force debrief, the Boeing team discovered the KC-767 outranked the KC-30 in the critical survivability category. The KC-767 achieved a total score of 24 positive discriminators -- including 11 described as major -- while the KC-30 scored five, none of which were major.

Major survivability discriminators for the Boeing KC-767 included:

- More robust surface-to-air missile defense systems
- Cockpit displays that improve situational awareness to enable flight crews to better see and assess the threat environment
- Better Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP) hardening -- the KC-767 is better able to operate in an EMP environment compared with the KC-30
- Automatic route planning/rerouting and steering cues to the flight crew to avoid threats once they are detected
- Better armor-protection features for the flight crew and critical aircraft systems
- Better fuel-tank-explosion protection features.

Boeing's KC-767 Advanced Tanker will be equipped with the latest and most reliable integrated defensive equipment to protect the aircraft and crew by avoiding, defeating or surviving threats, resulting in unprecedented tanker survivability -- far superior to all current Air Force tankers as well as the Northrop/EADS KC-30. The Boeing KC-767 also includes a comprehensive set of capabilities that enables unrestricted operations while providing maximum protection for the tanker crew.

Source : Boeing

[victor two]

This is the most boring thread in history..........

[Buster Hyman]

I've seen worse....

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=260242

[Going Boeing]

Boeing KC-767 Tanker Adds Up to Best Value for Warfighter, Taxpayers

(St. Louis, April 15, 2008) -- The Boeing [NYSE: BA] KC-767 Advanced Tanker would save billions of dollars over the anticipated lifetime of the aircraft compared with the larger Airbus-based KC-30. Nonetheless, the U.S. government selected the larger air tanker from the team of Northrop Grumman and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS).

Due to irregularities in the competition, such as the cost comparison, Boeing has protested the decision and asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to determine if the tanker acquisition process, including the cost analysis, was unfair and flawed. As the GAO reviews the decision, Boeing is also calling on policymakers to question why the comparison of full costs of the new tanker fleet failed to reflect that the Airbus KC-30 tanker is larger, heavier, less fuel-efficient and -- according to the Northrop/EADS team itself -- more costly to operate.

"As Americans pay their taxes this week, it's essential that they consider how effectively those dollars will be spent to equip U.S. warfighters," said Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas. "It's especially important to think about the total cost of developing, producing, operating and maintaining vital defense assets that must be ready to fly at least two generations of American military men and women."

In evaluating the two tanker offerings, the U.S. government determined that the Boeing KC-767 and the Northrop/EADS KC-30 were nearly equal at a cost of $108 billion to buy and operate 179 tankers over 25 years. Boeing contends that a realistic comparison of life-cycle costs -- what the Air Force calls Most Probable Life-Cycle Costs (MPLCC) -- should have resulted in a significantly higher price tag for the Airbus KC-30 when considering the biggest cost drivers: fuel, maintenance costs and infrastructure.

- Fuel: Using commercial aviation data, a Conklin & deDecker Aviation Information fuel study funded by Boeing indicated that with the price of oil between $100-125 per barrel, the larger, heavier and less fuel-efficient KC-30 would cost $30 billion more in fuel costs than the Boeing KC-767 over an anticipated 40-year service life.
- Maintenance: Based on the requirements for a smaller aircraft, the KC-767 would be approximately 22 percent less costly than the KC-30.
- Military Construction: The larger KC-30 would require approximately $2 billion to build or upgrade hangars, ramps, access roads and other facilities at tanker bases, while existing facilities that are sized for the current fleet of KC-135 tankers will be able to accommodate the smaller KC-767 with substantially less costly improvements required.
- Additional Infrastructure Costs: To accommodate Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units -- which operate primarily from civilian airfields and have 60 percent of the Air Force tanker fleet -- further costly investment would be required to upgrade facilities where KC-30s would be based.

Source : Boeing

[Chronic Snoozer]

Maybe Boeing should learn to accept the umps decision.

[Going Boeing]

Highlighting Reasons the U.S. Air Force Selected the KC-45 Tanker as Best for Our Men and Women in Uniform

(Washington, April 21, 2008) -- The U.S. Air Force found Northrop Grumman's (NYSE:NOC) bid to build the next generation of aerial refueling tankers superior to Boeing's in four of the five most important selection criteria. Despite this fact, the losing bidder wants the Government Accountability Office to overturn the Air Force decision to award the contract to Northrop Grumman. Starting today and regularly in the coming weeks, "Why We Won" will provide detailed examples of why Northrop Grumman was selected, drawing on facts listed in a redacted version of a protected Air Force selection document. We begin with Mission Capability, which includes the crucial function of aerial refueling.

Mission Capability

The Air Force found the Northrop Grumman KC-45 provides "Better fuel offloads at all distances from bases," "Better air refueling efficiency," "Better offload rate and receive rate," and has "A greater boom envelope vs. Boeing."

This means the Northrop Grumman plane can provide more fuel at greater range, is more fuel efficient when executing the tanker mission, can perform many refueling operations faster, and can connect to receivers over a greater volume of airspace behind the tanker than Boeing's aircraft.

In a written explanation of the Air Force thinking on this subject, Sue Payton, the Air Force's chief acquisition officer, said the Air Force determined that Northrop Grumman provided "Significant refueling advantages."

Payton added that Northrop Grumman's aircraft's "Refueling capability was compelling to my decision."

"Northrop Grumman's offer was a superior solution to the air refueling requirement, which is a key performance parameter," Payton wrote.

Despite this, Boeing's defenders in Congress are now demanding that the fair and transparent bidding process that led to the Northrop Grumman selection be overturned to ensure that Boeing is given the contract, in spite of the clear inferiority of the plane it offered to our men and women in uniform.

In fact, Boeing disagrees with the Air Force formula for air refueling efficiency that shows the winning Northrop Grumman tanker as six percent more efficient in relation to fuel delivered versus fuel consumed, so they invented their own.

As the Wall Street Journal concluded in a recent editorial, "There's a word for that, but it's not patriotism."

Source : Northrop Grumman Corporation

[Going Boeing]

Highlighting Reasons the U.S. Air Force Selected the KC-45 Tanker as Best for Our Men and Women in Uniform

(Washington, April 23, 2008) -- The U.S. Air Force found Northrop Grumman's (NYSE:NOC) bid to build the next generation of aerial refueling tankers superior to Boeing's in four of the five most important selection criteria. Despite this fact, the losing bidder wants the Government Accountability Office to overturn the Air Force decision to award the contract to Northrop Grumman even though the Air Force conducted what even Boeing described as a fair, open and transparent bidding process. Here is another reason Northrop Grumman won, drawn from a list of facts included in the Mission Capability section of a redacted version of a protected Air Force selection document.

Versatility

The Air Force found Northrop Grumman provides tremendous versatility in its aircraft, including "Better airlift efficiency, cargo capability, pallet capability, passengers and aero-medical capability." Although refueling is the primary mission, the KC-45's excellent mobility capability will provide future commanders with increased operational flexibility.

The Air Force concluded that Northrop Grumman's plane was superior because it could transport more cargo pallets, carry more people and evacuate more wounded soldiers than Boeing's, depending on which of these critical missions the Air Force would need to accomplish at any given time.

In choosing Northrop Grumman, the Air Force was being entirely consistent in what it told both bidders it was looking for all along. When its Request For Proposal (RFP) was finalized in Jan. 2007, the Air Force made clear it expected its new tanker to be versatile, noting that its evaluation would include "Airlift efficiency, cargo, passengers, aero-medical evacuation, ground turn time, and cargo bay reconfiguration," adding that greater flexibility and efficiency than the previous aircraft "Will be viewed as advantageous to the government."

These desires were also documented in a public white paper the Air Force produced a month later entitled "The Need For A Flexible Tanker," in which the Air Force wrote that it was looking for "A flexible aerial refueling aircraft that can operate throughout a battlespace to deliver fuel and/or cargo and/or passengers."

That same paper quoted Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, Commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, as saying he was seeking flexibility. "I am looking for versatility; single-mission airplanes don't give that," said Schwartz, who later also said he wanted the new tanker to "Have a dual-role use" and be a "Game-changer over time."

Sue Payton, the Air Force's chief acquisitions officer, summarized the superiority of Northrop Grumman's plane this way in the document she provided to the bidders in which she explained her decision: "In my judgment, Northrop Grumman's...aircraft offers significant advantage in the important areas of aerial refueling and airlift and represents superior value to the government."

The results are clear: Men and women of the Air Force who have a solemn responsibility to protect those fighting to defend freedom at home and abroad, as well as provide taxpayers the best possible value, concluded that Northrop Grumman's plane passed these two crucial tests with flying colors.

As the New York Times put it in a recent editorial, opponents of the Air Force's selection "Would rather have the Air Force buy a more expensive plane, and one that...doesn't meet its needs nearly as well."

Source : Northrop Grumman Corporation

[THRidle]

Going Boeing, you are certainly a man of your word :

"Just to keep things boring!"

[Buster Hyman]

pallet capability

This was always where the A330 beats the 767, 2x LD3's side by side. The 767 could never match that.

[Going Boeing]

(June 6, 2008) -- Greg Combet, the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement, today announced that the first Airbus A330 had arrived in Australia for conversion to a KC-30B Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) under Project Air 5402.

"This aircraft, which is the first of four Airbus A330s to be modified in Australia, today arrived at the Qantas Australian Conversion Centre at Brisbane Airport after departing the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France, earlier this week" said Mr Combet.

An induction ceremony involving the prime contractor, EADS CASA, and Qantas Defence Services was held to mark the occasion. Also present were representatives of State Government, Defence Materiel Organisation, and senior Royal Australian Air Force leadership including the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal, Geoff Shepherd, AO.

"Project AIR 5402 will replace the RAAF's Boeing 707 and enhance the air-to-air refuelling capability of the Australian Defence Force".

"Under the project, five new-generation KC-30B MRTTs capable of refuelling current and future aircraft are to be supplied" Mr Combet said.

"The KC-30B has a significant strategic airlift capability, carrying a fuel load of up to 111 tonnes, along with 270 passengers, and a combination of commercial and military cargo pallets in an under-floor cargo compartment".

"The KC-30B will be equipped with two wing-tip mounted 'hose-and-drogue' refuelling pods, one refuelling boom in the tail, as well as defensive countermeasure equipment".

Source : MoD Australia

[Going Boeing]

Boeing Statement on Tanker Protest Ruling

(St. Louis, June 18, 2008) -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] was informed today that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found in Boeing's favor on a number of issues related to its protest of the U.S. Air Force's award of a $35 billion contract to supply the service with its next-generation aerial refueling aircraft -- or KC-X tankers -- to begin replacing the current fleet of KC-135 tankers.

In response to the ruling, Boeing released the following statement from Mark McGraw, vice president, Tanker Programs:

"We welcome and support today's ruling by the GAO fully sustaining the grounds of our protest."

"We appreciate the professionalism and diligence the GAO showed in its review of the KC-X acquisition process. We look forward to working with the Air Force on next steps in this critical procurement for our warfighters."

Source : Boeing

NGC Statement Concerning GAO Decision

(Washington, June 18, 2008) -- The following is the statement of Randy Belote, Vice President of Corporate & International Communications for Northrop Grumman Corporation:

"We respect the GAO's work in analyzing the Air Force's tanker acquisition process. We continue to believe that Northrop Grumman offered the most modern and capable tanker for our men and women in uniform. We will review the GAO findings before commenting further."

Source : Northrop Grumman Corporation

ASDNews - Aerospace & Defence News - NGC Statement Concerning GAO Decision (http://www.asd-network.com/press_detail_B.asp?ID=16638&NID=121027)

[Going Boeing]

(Washington, July 9, 2008) -- Defense Department officials have reopened the bidding process for a multibillion-dollar midair refueling tanker contract, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today.

The announcement comes after Government Accountability Office officials last month found improper practices related to the $35 billion contract awarded in February to the Northrop-Grumman/EADS/Airbus consortium, which prompted a protest from rival bidder Boeing Company.

"Industry, Congress and the American people all must have confidence in the integrity of this acquisition process," Secretary Gates said at a Pentagon news conference. "I believe the revised process will result in the best tanker for the Air Force at the best price for the American taxpayer."

Replacing the Air Force as the "source selection authority" is John J. Young Jr., undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics. He is tasked with appointing an advisory committee to oversee the selection of a bidder to supply the modified commercial aircraft fleet that will phase out the current KC-135 tankers, which are 47 years old, on average.

DOD officials have ordered Northrop-Grumman to stop work on its contract, and a modified request for proposal could be issued as early as this month. The tanker request will remain in "open competition" until a new contract is awarded, which Secretary Gates said he expects will happen before year's end.

"It is important to remember that this decision does not represent a return to the first step of a process that has already gone on far too long," the secretary said, referring to the tanker contract as one of the department's most "time-critical."

The Boeing protest filed early this year alleged more than 100 violations of proper contracting practices, eight of which were sustained by the GAO, the investigative arm of Congress.

After reviewing the GAO's decision, Michael B. Donley, acting secretary of the Air Force, said he concluded that the Air Force's acquisition system is not "fatally flawed."

"However, the GAO did sustain the protest in eight areas, and this has been sufficient to cast doubt on the Air Force's management of the overall process," he said.

While re-bidding the contract will add months to the process, Secretary Donley said, it offers "the most direct route to complete the competition, achieve a final decision and field the tanker that represent the best value for the warfighter and the taxpayer."

Secretary Donley, who joined Secretary Gates at today's briefing, became the Air Force's acting secretary last month following a shakeup at the top levels of the service branch. The 67-page GAO report that cited "significant errors" in Air Force procurement practices became public nine days into his tenure.

Secretary Donley's predecessor, Michael W. Wynne, and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley resigned in the wake of a report detailing the accidental shipment of four non-nuclear missile trigger components rather than the intended helicopter batteries to Taiwan in August 2006. The erroneous delivery came on the heels of another Air Force incident in which a B-52 bomber flew across the United States carrying six armed nuclear cruise missiles.

"The Air Force needs to rapidly apply the lessons learned from this experience and move forward," Secretary Donley said of the tanker contract, pressing the need to rebuild confidence in the Defense Department acquisition process. "Other Air Force acquisition decisions are on the horizon.

"GAO's conclusions show that even in a large, complex procurement with considerable staff resources and oversight, work accomplished by our contracting personnel, our warfighters and our engineers is not always adequately prepared to withstand the detailed audits and the legal challenges that we can now expect," he said.

Asked how Defense Department officials will mitigate the chance of a future protest, Secretary Gates said the department will carry out the new process with transparency, open communication, clear expectations and fairness.

"My hope would be that when we reach the end of this process we will have a solution, will be able to reward a contract and get moving with the contract," he said.

Mr. Young, who will head up the source selection committee, entertained the possibility that new proposals from industry bidders could come with a smaller price tag than their original offers.

"We'll see what the industry teams propose," he said. "I think that would probably be the only silver lining in this, is the possibility that both teams decide to sharpen their pencils and offer the taxpayer and the warfighter an even better deal."

Source : US Air Force

Boeing Statement on DoD Decision to Reopen KC-X Tanker Bid

(St. Louis, July 9, 2008) -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Defense Department's decision to reopen the KC-X aerial refueling tanker competition following the company's successful protest of the original $35 billion contract award:

"We welcome the decision by Defense Secretary Robert Gates not to proceed with the contract award to Northrop Grumman/EADS and to reopen the KC-X tanker competition. However, we remain concerned that a renewed Request for Proposals (RFP) may include changes that significantly alter the selection criteria as set forth in the original solicitation. As the Government Accountability Office reported in upholding our protest, we submitted the only proposal that fully met the mandatory criteria of the original RFP.

"We look forward to working with the new acquisition team as it reopens the competition, but we will also take time to understand the updated solicitation to determine the right path forward for the company.

"It's encouraging that the Defense Department intends to take steps to ensure a fair and open competition that, among other things, fully accounts for life-cycle costs, such as fuel, to provide the most capable tanker at the best value for the American taxpayer."

Source : Boeing

NGC Statement Regarding DoD Tanker Decision

The Following is a Statement From Randy Belote, Vice President of Corporate and International Communications for Northrop Grumman

(Washington, July 9, 2008) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) applauds Defense Secretary Gates and Under Secretary Young for recognizing that the acquisition of replacement refueling tankers for the Air Force should be put on a path toward quick closure. We are reviewing the decision to ensure the re-competition will provide both companies a fair opportunity to present the strengths of their proposals.

The United States Air Force has already picked the best tanker, and we are confident that it will do so again. Our men and women in uniform deserve nothing less.

The Northrop Grumman KC-45 tanker is needed now and is ready now.

Source : Northrop Grumman Corporation

[tommytill]

Nothing on the 10 month delay to the project??

[FoxtrotAlpha18]

AUSTRALIAN AVIATION EXPRESS ISSUE 244, 20 OCTOBER 2008

* DELAYS FOR RAAF TANKERS: The Defence Materiel Organisation’s MRTT Project Team has revealed exclusively to Australian Aviation that the first of the RAAF’s new Airbus A330-based KC-30 tankers will be delivered up to 10 months later than planned.
Originally scheduled for a February 2009 delivery, the first aircraft - which is being converted to tanker configuration by EADS inSpain - is now not expected to be handed over to Amberley based 33SQN until late in the “fourth quarter of next year”. The setback has been attributed to a five month delay in phase one of the aircraft’s extensive structural modification process which EADS has been unable to make up, and a further delay to the phase two systems installation process currently underway.
These have flowed on to a postponement to the start of the comprehensive ground and flight test, and certification processes. As a result of the delays, the RAAF will compress the aircraft’s acceptance and operational build up process, with IOC (initial operational capability) to be pushed back by about six months to mid 2010, while full operational capability (FOC) remains on track for mid 2011. The second aircraft currently undergoing modification at Qantas Engineering in Brisbane is expected to be completed in July next year, and the ADF and EADS are looking at possibly rolling it into the certification program before it is handed over in early 2009. Aircraft three, four and five are expected to follow at roughly six month intervals until FOC.
The MRTT project team also revealed that the RAAF tankers will now be known as KC-30As instead of the previous KC-30B designation, as the USAF will designate its next tanker as the KC-45A.

[Jabawocky]

ahhhhh crank up the old 707's again for a few more months! :}

[Buster Hyman]

And if the yanks called them Betty Grable, would we call ours Googie Withers???:rolleyes:

[Going Boeing]

http://www.asd-network.com/data_news/ID19100_150.jpg

Madrid, January 19, 2009) -- An A330 MRTT built for the Royal Australian Air Force completed another major program milestone when the A310 Boom demonstrator, used as test bed for the new EADS fly-by-wire boom, made a series of contacts during a flight test over waters off the coast of southwest Spain. Both aircraft departed from EADS facilities in Getafe, Madrid, where Airbus Military has the tanker conversion centre.

The A330 MRTT is equipped with two wing-tip mounted 'hose-and-drogue' refuelling pods, an advanced aerial refuelling boom in the tail, as well as complete capabilities in Military Navigation, Military Identification, MIL-COMs including a Tactical Data Link and Defensive Countermeasures equipment.

"This flight test represents a significant milestone in the program, as it is the first time that a contact between two different tankers developed on Airbus platforms has been performed" said Carlos Suarez, CEO of Airbus Military. "We are very pleased about the progress of the final test phase that commenced in December 2008 and look forward to completing the flight test program that will lead to final military certification and qualifica-tion."

During this phase of the flight test campaign the aerodynamic configura-tion of the pods has been proven and several hose-deployed tests have been conducted at different altitudes and airspeeds. In addition several contacts between the A310 Boom and the A330 MRTT Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) system located on top of the A330 MRTT aircraft have been made, showing, as expected, the excellent flying qualities of the A330 as a receiver aircraft. Also, the mili-tary avionics system has been tested successfully.

Source : EADS

[Going Boeing]

http://www.asd-network.com/data_news/ID20296_600.jpg

(Madrid, April 28, 2009) -- After completing testing of the flight control laws of the new A330 MRTT as a receiver aircraft with the Airbus Military A310 Boom Demonstrator, in which the A310 tanker made more than 80 con-tacts, Airbus Military has further validated the receiver flight control laws of the A330 MRTT with a French Air Force KC-135 Aircraft.

Two flights involving 20 contacts have been performed between the first Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A (A330 MRTT) and the French KC-135 aircraft. The support of the French Air Force to the Australian A330 MRTT program has been possible thanks to a technical agreement between the Minister of Defence of the French Republic and the Minister for Defence of Australia on co-operation in the field of defence armament concerning tanker aircraft in which a series of flight trials will be performed with a French tanker and different receiver aircraft.

Since commencement of the second flight test phase last December, Air-bus Military has performed a range of testing; including tanker and re-ceiver flight control laws validation, underwing pod testing, boom data gathering and envelope expansion as well as MIDS, Link 16 and military avionics and mission testing, logging a total of 102 flights.

The A330 Multi Role Transport Tanker (MRTT), a military derivative of the successful A330-200 commercial aircraft, is the most capable air-to-air refuelling solution available today. It has won the last five international competitions where it has participated: Australia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK, and the USA.

Source : EADS

[Going Boeing]

http://www.asd-network.com/data_news/ID20428_600.jpg

(Madrid, May 7, 2009) -- As part of the final stages of the A330 MRTT flight test campaign, the boom flutter testing has been completed.

Several flights were performed for the Flutter Vibration Test, including for the aero elastic characterization of the boom. The main objective of the testing is to check boom and aircraft behaviour by inducting vibrations on the boom ruddervators. The boom has been tested in several configurations and conditions, including with the boom fully deployed, at several heights and speeds up to Mach .92.

Since commencement of the second flight test phase in December 2008, Airbus Military has performed a range of testing. They included tanker and receiver flight control laws validation, underwing pod testing, boom data gathering and envelope expansion, as well as MIDS, Link 16 and military avionics and mission testing. A total of 107 flights were logged.

The A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), a military derivative of the successful A330-200 commercial airplane, was selected by Australia, UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia and the USA.

Company Center : European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V. (Paris: EAD.PA)

[giblets]

Any details of what tests still need to be done?

[FoxtrotAlpha18]

The KC-30's boom is yet to 'pass gas', and there will now not be a delivery to the RAAF this year! :hmm:

Tones of AC/DC..."It's a long way to the top..."

[Wiley]

From the pic above, it looks... unwieldly.

Anyone have any idea what it costs in drag/performance degradation over the standard A330? At first glance, I'd be thinking 'substantial' might be the answer.

[Going Boeing]

http://www.asd-network.com/data_news/ID20714_600.jpg

(Madrid, June 1, 2009) -- The Airbus Military A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) has completed another major milestone performing successfully a series of dry contacts using the new generation Cobham 905E hose and drogue refuelling pods, located under the wings. The receiver aircraft was a Spanish Air Force F/A-18A+ fighter.

The system performed well in hose extension and retraction, and showed good hose response in the contact as well as stability during pre-contact and when connected.

This new refuelling pod is a development of the 907E pod already in service with the Canadian and German air forces on their A310 MRTTs. The pods can each deliver up to 420 US gal/min (1600 litres/min) through a 90 ft (27.4 m) hose, and are controlled from a state-of-the-art Fuel Operator Console located in the cockpit.

"The next steps in the flight test program involve more contacts with the new hose and drogue refuelling pod and the advanced Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS), refuelling a variety of receivers that will include French, Portuguese and Spanish small and large receiver aircraft. This flight test phase will lead us to the completion of military certification, and final qualification with our customer" said Miguel Morell, Vice President Airbus Military Derivative Programmes.

The A330 MRTT has been selected by the air forces of Australia, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and was chosen last year by the U.S. Air Force for its recapitalization of the service's aging tanker fleet.

Company Center : European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V. (Paris: EAD.PA)

[Taildragger67]

Wiley,

From the pic above, it looks... unwieldly.

Anyone have any idea what it costs in drag/performance degradation over the standard A330? At first glance, I'd be thinking 'substantial' might be the answer.

Still, probably better than that for the booms on the KC135 and KC10...

[Wiley]

It wasn't a snipe at Airbus, Taildragger. I'd be interested to know the performance degradation.

What was it on the 707/KC135 over a standard 7oh?

[Like This - Do That]

Wasn't there talk of modifying 2 of the fleet to be VIP / journo transporters? Are those (proposed) variants still to be capable of the entire AAR / multi role range of ops?

[Cap'n Bunghole]

There were rumours of VIP conversions but the White paper doesn't mention them, so I guess it's not going to happen.

Unfortunately there is no mention of main deck or cargo door mods either :(

[Point0Five]

Oh please, Australia has absolutely no requirement for the main cabin to be modified for cargo. The A330's forward, aft and bulk cargo compartments are more than adequate for any deployment.

WRT a VIP conversion, it's probably worth noting that the KC-30 conversion process involves removing all of the A330's IFE system.

[IAW]

Surely the BBJs are more suited to Journo transport when they are needed every election. They won't make the mistake of forgetting to charter aircraft until the last minute like last time. All the a/c could have been available in Australia (if you tee it up early enough), instead they had to get 2 Fokker 100s from Europe.

[Taildragger67]

Wiley,

No worries. :ok:

I reckon these boys (http://www.aviastar.org/air/usa/boeing_c-135.php) might have your answer.

[FoxtrotAlpha18]

Both Binny and Shep before him have said that they will not accept any compromise of the KC-30's primary tanking mission if it means cargo or VIP conversions. Good on em...:ok:

Besides, Airbus hasn't done an A330 cargo conversion or a new build freighter yet - do we really want to be lead customer on another platform??? :eek:

[Slezy9]

Both Binny and Shep before him have said that they will not accept any compromise of the KC-30's primary tanking mission if it means cargo or VIP conversions. Good on em...


:ugh: Do you really think if Krudd said I want an A330 converted to VIP config they would be able to stop it? If you do you are incredibly naive.

[Wiley]

do we really want to be lead customer on another platform??? Anyone with any experience of Phallus in Blunderland aka Russell Hill would be very afraid of what the answer to that question might be.

[Keg]

Do you really think if Krudd said I want an A330 converted to VIP config they would be able to stop it? If you do you are incredibly naive.

Personally I can't see KRudd turning up anywhere in a hybrid tanker/VIP jet. That would be way below his station- or at least how he pictures his station. It's probably more likely that they'll go an A330 or two for the VIP fleet rather than re-fit or convert a KC-30 to have a VIP section.

I suspect also too that KRudd probably feels an aircraft the size of the A330 is more in keeping with his image of himself. He'll want an aircraft where he can go back and tell the journos traveling with him how good he is. :rolleyes:

[Buster Hyman]

This would suit him Keg...

http://nl.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/1/1/9/1081911.jpg

[Captain Sand Dune]

Sure Krudd, we'll take one of those MRTTs and turn it into a de-facto 34SQN aircraft for you and your f*cking journo mates, if you're happy to accept the hit in capability - you know, the capability the MRTT was aquired in the first place for!
Oh silly me, you probably don't really give a f*ck about things like military capability now, do you?






Thanks..........I feel better now!

[Blogsey]

This would suit him Keg...By "him" do you mean the outgoing Defence minister??

[Point0Five]

Fair shake of the sauce bottle, Blogsey! I think Keg is referring to Aussie Kevvie :ok:

[goldbudgie]

Any update on the latest delivery dates for the first KC-30 in Amberley ?

[Going Boeing]

(June 25, 2009) -- Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today announced that the next commercial Airbus A330-200 aircraft has arrived at Brisbane airport for its conversion into a multi role tanker transport (KC-30 Tanker) for use by the Royal Australian Air Force.

This aircraft is being acquired under Project Air 5402. Under this project five air to air refuelling aircraft are being purchased from Spanish company EADS CASA (now known as Airbus Military). This involves the conversion of commercial A330-200 Airbus into military air to air refuellers (KC 30 Tankers).

"The aircraft which is known as Manufacturer's Serial Number 969, is the third A330-200 to be delivered from Airbus for this project and will be the second aircraft to be converted to a KC-30 tanker by Qantas in Australia," said Mr Combet.

"This is good news for Brisbane and Qantas. The project also demonstrates the ability of Australian defence industry to engage in complex military aviation projects."

"The ability to refuel aircraft in the air provides the ADF with a stronger capability by allowing a fixed number of aircraft to remain airborne longer, carry more ordnance or fly further than would otherwise be the case. This will help augment our air combat capability by extending the range and endurance of our fighters," said Mr Combet.

"The KC 30 Tanker will also add to our air-lift capability with the capacity to carry 270 troops and significant quantities of stores over significant distances."

"The first (prototype) aircraft, MSN747, has now successfully completed the second sub-phase of developmental flight testing which is devoted to boom free flight data gathering and validation of the KC-30 receiver and tanker flight control laws."

"MSN747 has successfully performed dry contacts as a receiver with the EADS A310 Boom Demonstrator and a French Air Force C-135 tanker. It has completed its first dry contact using the new-generation Cobham 905E hose and drogue refuelling pods with a Spanish Air Force F/A-18 fighter on 28 May 2009."

"The second aircraft, MSN 951, being the first to be converted to a KC-30 tanker by Qantas in Australia, is progressing well and is expected to return to Madrid, Spain later this year for completion of the extensive certification and qualification flight test program."

MSN 951 is currently expected to be the first aircraft to be accepted from Airbus Military, around mid-2010, for entry into RAAF service, as A39‑002.

Source : Mod Austalia

[BOEING777X]

Seems all is not well with the RAAF KC-30 (http://is.gd/35UUF).


With the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) poised to be one of the first to operate the A330-derived KC-30A tanker, the delay in service entry stems from a design issue with the boom - meaning that fuel transfer is still a distant prospect for the tanker and is being noted by several US Air Force generals close to the KC-X tanker competition.

While tests have already been conducted for passing fuel via the drogues, the RAAF has classified comments and criticism of the boom along with its inability to transfer fuel successfully through it as “sensitive”. First delivery of the RAAF tanker was initially slated for 2008 and is not now expected until next year. Conversion on the second RAAF tanker has slowed to a trickle while work to rectify the failed boom on the first article continues. Conversion of the third RAAF KC-30A also appears to have been postponed indefinitely.

[FoxtrotAlpha18]

Who wrote that crap? hmmm, no byline... no wonder! :hmm:

The first aircraft modded at BNE (a/c 2) heads to Europe next month to begin fuel transfer trials through the boom with the EADS modded MRTT (a/c 1). That is when fuel transfer was supposed to have commenced anyway.

The mod took longer to complete because, as usual, Airbus underestimated how long it would take and how complex it would be, but the flight test and certification should be ramping up soon ready for frist delivery in May...15 months late.

[wall-e]

... is the KC30 flying with both Boom and Probe & Drogue and are both AAR systems ready to be delivered?
If yes ... what are the AAR performance/envelopes? what kind of Boomer station is currently using and who is building the aar bods?
May 2010 is an IOC or an FOC? What is the crew training time line for both initial training on the Airbus and the differential training for the aar capability?
thanks

[Wiley]

See post # 5 dated 17 Feb 08 2008 on this thread.

[wall-e]

...not enough! ... still searching for positive/realistic information!

[Gnadenburg]

Why the fuss on the boom???

The F111 will be gone by the time this thing is operational. And JSF a long way-away.

[swh]

Why the fuss on the boom???

No real fuss, the C-17 and Wedgetail are supposed to be boom capable, they can fly from one side of Australia to the other without the need to refuel.

My understanding was the A330-MRTT was always going to go to the RAAF with pod refuel capability first (i.e. 707 replacement for the F/A-18), and boom capability certified at a later date.

In terms of projects being late, the Wedgetail delays makes the 787 project look fantastic.

[bumba]

what is exactly the delay we are dealing with KC30? when the first plane will be capable of AAR mix in the Australian Airspace?

... and yes i've heard the boom will be for the Aussies too!

[porch monkey]

Then there is the little issue of where to put the previously not required navigator, since the fitted FMC doesn't appear to have enough memory to manage the refuelling profiles as well as normal flight ops.
Remember, it is just a rumour network......

[FoxtrotAlpha18]

The aircraft WILL be delivered both fully capable boom and pod refuelling...according to EADS!

[woodja51]

So when are they likely to be delivered and begin operational work...??

woodja

[FoxtrotAlpha18]

First delivery of two a/c June 2010, then one each in late 2010, 2011 & 2012.

[woodja51]

FA18 - thanks for that - I heard a 'rumour' that the RAAF was maybe going to use civvies to fly them initially - sounds bit odd to me but anything possible..:bored:

You sound like you have a bit of a handle on the whole thing ...

I am contemplating rejoining after departure from EK maybe next year and was looking at options as far as possibilities go there ( ex 707 tanker QFI with 5000 hours 330.340)

if you can throw any good sites, contacts or info my way appreciated v much.

Is just a thought at this stage but might be nice to get in on the ground floor for a new type etc.. dont need the money that much any more..more after more rewarding flying again.

thanks in advance.

Woodja

[FlexibleResponse]

woodja51,

You have a very wide background in precisely what the RAAF needs in introducing this new type aircraft, both in airframe type and mission requirements. I would strongly encourage you to make a few calls to your old compatriots that are still in the RAAF of senior rank and inquire where you may be of assistance.

Also, if you want to make a few real bucks, contact Airbus directly. They employ an enormous range of instructors, and field representatives covering many fields of their contracts. You would have a very enviable and salable commodity for them to help make their contract with the Aus Gov successful.

[Cougar]

Don't say MRTT, don't say MRTT...

Or KC30b for that matter... Who goes from B to A... really??

[donpizmeov]

Woodja are you really gonna leave us? You will have to get use to that table again.

Think Trigger is the man to chat to.

Don

[FlexibleResponse]

Airbus - Careers centre - Vacancies (http://www.airbus.com/en/careers/vacancies/)

[Going Boeing]

http://www.asdnews.com/data_news/ID24006_600.jpg
(Madrid, October 22, 2009) -- An Airbus Military A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) fitted with the Air Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) successfully performed the first in-flight refuelling with two F16s from the Portuguese Air Force on 21st October. This first "wet contact" using the advanced in-house designed boom system demonstrates that the refuelling system is well integrated into the airframe, with all systems functioning satisfactorily. It also validates the fuel transfer capability of the A330 MRTT to receiver planes through this refuelling means, as tested on the ground in early September.

The flight lasted four hours and 30 minutes, during which a total of 13 contacts were performed, with more than 1.5 tonnes of fuel being transferred.

The A330 MRTT used for the exercise is the first for the Royal Australian Air Force, which is due to be handed over to the customer by mid 2010. Flight test of the second A330 MRTT for Australia is progressing well in Brisbane where the aircraft has been modified by Qantas. The third aircraft is already in Brisbane, with conversion work due to start shortly. In total, five have been ordered by the RAAF, with another 23 by three other nations, bringing the total to 28 A330 MRTTs ordered.

The Airbus Military Boom is the most advanced refuelling system available today, and is unique in its kind. Located underneath the rear fuselage of the tanker aircraft, it is remotely controlled from a console in the cockpit, where an operator uses an advanced technology two - three dimensional viewing system. This gives safer operation and a reduced workload for the boom operator, while enabling the tanker crew to be located together. The boom is equipped with a full fly-by-wire flight control system which is unique in its kind, and has demonstrated outstanding handling qualities through the whole envelope.

Refuelling can be done at any altitude up to 35,000 ft while cruising at speeds between 180 and 325 kt, in all weather, day or night, thanks, among others, to its stereoscopic vision and lighting systems. The fuel transfer rate of the boom is up to 1,200 US gal/min (4,500 l/min) at 50 psi. This high rate of transfer greatly reduces the refuelling operation time.

The boom is 17metres long when fully extended. It is equipped with an automatic load alleviation system, has auto-disconnect envelope for each receiver, and has been designed under the back-up concept (fail operational, fail safe). Secure communication is possible though the boom. It requires on-condition maintenance only.

On- Ground refuelling tests through the conventional hose and drogue system had already successfully been conducted in September, transferring more than 200 tonnes of fuel.

Source : European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V. (Paris: EAD.PA)

[Traffic_Is_Er_Was]

If anyone's interested:
http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm327/andylitt/DSCN0124Medium.jpg

[Going Boeing]

http://www.asdnews.com/data_news/ID24449_600.jpg

The Testing Will Continue to Complete Full System Certification

(November 12, 2009) -- The Airbus Military A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) has completed another major milestone performing successfully a series of wet contacts using the new generation Cobham 905E hose and drogue refuelling pods, located under the wings. The receiver aircraft was a Spanish Air Force F/A-18A+ fighter.

This first "wet contact" using the advanced new generation pods demonstrates that the refuelling system is well integrated into the airframe, with all systems functioning satisfactorily. It also validates the fuel transfer capability of the A330 MRTT to receiver aircraft through this refuelling means, as tested on the ground in early September and with dry contacts late May.

On- Ground refuelling tests through the conventional hose and drogue system had already successfully been conducted in September, transferring more than 200 metric tonnes of fuel.

With this new achievement the A330MRTT has demonstrated a total tanking capability as both boom and pods have been tested and have transferred fuel in flight. The testing will continue to complete full system certification. This achievement is the initial step to clear the air-to air (AAR) operations for the UK's Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme, which does implement the pod hose-and-drogue system and does not implement the boom system.

This new refuelling pod is a development of the 907E pod already in service with the Canadian and German air forces on their A310 MRTTs. The pods can each deliver up to 420 US gal/min (1600 litres/min) through a 90 ft (27.4 m) hose, and are controlled from a state-of-the-art Fuel Operator Console located in the cockpit.

During the flight a total of 6 contacts were performed, with more than 4000 kgs of fuel being transferred.

The A330 MRTT used for the exercise is the first for the Royal Australian Air Force, which is due to be handed over to the customer by mid-2010. Flight test of the second A330 MRTT for Australia was finished in Brisbane where the aircraft has been modified by Qantas and flown back to Spain to perform some final test flights jointly with the first one. The third aircraft is already in Brisbane, currently under conversion. In total, five have been ordered by the RAAF, with another 23 by three other nations, bringing the total to 28 A330 MRTTs ordered.

The A330 MRTT has been selected by the air forces of Australia, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and was chosen last year by the U.S. Air Force for its recapitalization of the service's aging tanker fleet.

Source : European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V. (Paris: EAD.PA)

[TBM-Legend]

F/A-18B+ in pic...

[blueloo]

This new refuelling pod is a development of the 907E pod already in service with the Canadian and German air forces on their A310 MRTTs. The pods can each deliver up to 420 US gal/min (1600 litres/min) through a 90 ft (27.4 m) hose, and are controlled from a state-of-the-art Fuel Operator Console located in the cockpit.


One toggle switch? Release and retract? :}

[Pass-A-Frozzo]

I am contemplating rejoining after departure from EK maybe next year and was looking at options as far as possibilities go there ( ex 707 tanker QFI with 5000 hours 330.340)

So long as you don't mind joining as a FLTLT on Pay Group 6 (the new "Aircrew sustainability Project" pay scheme)

[Cougar]

Yep, woodja, make sure you look at the new OARS pay groups because even though you used to be on the legacy pay grades (10) you will now be employed on pay grade 6. Doesn't look so good anymore does it? That's a massive pay cut.

[giblets]

Another nice picture of the KC-30 doing its thing:
http://leehamnews.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/mrtt_1.jpg

[Buster Hyman]

I can't quite make out that F-16's markings. Can anyone enlighten me?

[startingout]

http://www.f-16.net/modules/Gallery2/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=280740&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=cc2cfc06942c455eead4c36f65f84403

15112 corresponds to a Portuguese Air force F-16

[Buster Hyman]

Cheers. :ok: The roundel had me going there...but I doubt I'd have even guessed that!

[giblets]

According to Flight Global, (http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/02/01/337877/pictures-awacs-test-boosts-australias-kc-30a-tanker.html) the MRTT has passed fuel to a French Air Force AWAC, the first such refueling to a 'large' aircraft, especially one with such unusual aerodynamics

[Keg]

I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes with the Wedgetail tucking in behind. It's a pretty big surfboard back there and I wonder whether it may be a bit closer than the E3 given the relative dimensions of the aircraft?!?!

[Groaner]

Seems to handle the surfboard OK, according to this:

Airbus Military A330 MRTT Refuels AWACS - ASDNews - Be the first to know (http://www.asdnews.com/news/25864/Airbus_Military_A330_MRTT_Refuels_AWACS.htm)

(February 2, 2010) -- The Airbus Military A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) has passed another key milestone with the refuelling of a Boeing E-3F AWACS airborne early warning aircraft - the first time the A330 MRTT has refuelled another large aircraft.

Demonstrating the stability of this class of aircraft during air-to-air refuelling is an essential exercise to be completed not only to satisfy the certification authorities, but subsequently the operators. The E-3F is considered to be a particularly significant type because of its aerodynamic characteristics due to the large radome mounted on the back of the aircraft. The A330 MRTT passed this trial with flying colours.

The aircraft, operating from Getafe, Madrid performed a series of dry and wet contacts during two sorties with a French Air Force E-3F.

In the first flight, four contacts were performed during a 3hr 55min mission and 12.1 tonnes of fuel was transferred.

In the second flight a total of 17.5 tonnes of fuel was transferred. The flying was conducted at around 20,000ft and 250kt, and the centreline-mounted refuelling boom was used for all the transfers.

The A330 MRTT has now conducted a total of more than 200 wet and dry contacts during the development programme and transferred nearly 100 tonnes of fuel.

Antonio Caramazana, Vice President and Head of Airbus Military Derivatives, said: "This is a significant milestone in the programme. The E-3 AWACS is a challenge because of its aerodynamics characteristics due to the large radome. The AWACS crew reported that the handling of the aircraft was very smooth during the refueling operation. We are delighted with the performance of our A330 MRTT and with our advanced refuelling boom."

Source : Airbus, an EADS N.V. company (Paris: EAD.PA)

[scran]

Think you missed KEG's point there Groaner. :hmm:



The Weadgetail has a vertical radar array mounted on a 737 aircraft - so it is almost a totally different configuration and likely aerodynamic issues platform to an E3.

[Flight Detent]

The 737 AEW&C is OK behind the KC-135s and KC-10s!

Cheers...FD...:)

[Going Boeing]

Northrop Grumman won’t bid on KC-X

KC-45 - out of the running?
The USAF KC-X tanker contest appears to now be a one horse race with the March 8 decision by Northrop Grumman to not bid its Airbus A330 based solution it was partnering with EADS North America for the program.
Northrop Grumman CEO Wes Bush said the company would not submit a bid because the source selection methodology defined in the RFP “clearly favours Boeing’s smaller…tanker.”
“In the previous competition, Northrop Grumman was selected by the Air Force as offering the most capable tanker for the warfighter at the best value for the taxpayer,” he said in a statement. “However, the Northrop Grumman and EADS team is very disappointed that the revised source selection methodology now dramatically favours Boeing’s smaller refuelling tanker. We agree that the fundamental military requirements for the new tanker have not changed since the last competition, but the Department’s new evaluation methodology now clearly favours the smaller tanker.”
The revised source selection is centred around the USAF’s requirement that development risk be shared between the service and industry, and that no additional credit would be available for the A330’s larger offload and greater payload capabilities.
Boeing has announced it will submit a proposal based on the smaller 767-200 airframe but with a new boom, 787 style cockpit displays and other enhancements.
“We continue to believe that Northrop Grumman’s tanker represents the best value for the military and taxpayer – a belief supported by the selection of the A330 tanker design over the Boeing design in the last five consecutive tanker competitions around the globe,” Bush added. “Regrettably, this means that the US Air Force will be operating a less capable tanker than many of our Allies in this vital mission area.”
Some analysts have suggested that EADS North America may go it alone and offer an A330-based solution for KC-X, although with the RFP due to close in early May, the time required to put together a proposal may be too short.

EADS won’t go it alone on KC-X “soap opera”

Northrop Grumman/EADS will not bid their KC-45 (based on the RAAF's KC-30) for KC-X. (Airbus Military)
EADS has confirmed it won’t go it alone in bidding for the USAF’s KC-X tanker replacement after partner Northrop Grumman’s decision not to bid for the program, effectively making the process a one-horse race for Boeing’s 767 based ‘NewGen Tanker’.
EADS CEO Louis Gallois told European media on March 10 that he doesn’t “see any opportunity to come back alone or with others” on the process, while EADS North America CEO Sean O’Keefe later told Aviation Week that his company’s abilities are not sufficiently mature to justify bidding for the US$35bn (A$38.2bn), 179 aircraft deal without its partner. “We’re developing all of those capabilities,” O’Keefe said. “We do not have anything near that in place that would rival that capacity. We could not bring that to the equation alone.”
“Our partners at Northrop Grumman were very concerned with the fixed price contract,” he added. “We were not as concerned.” Under the partnership, EADS subsidiary Airbus would have supplied ‘green’ A330-200 airframes to the joint venture operation in the US state of Alabama where Northrop Grumman would lead on the tanker conversion work, the riskiest part of the process.
Republican Senator John McCain, who stymied Boeing’s bid for a sole source lease-buy deal on KC-X in 2004 after allegations of impropriety involving a former Boeing executive, told US media that he was “not worried about Boeing, the only competitor left for the contract,” but added that he promised he “will monitor it very closely.”
The decision by Northrop Grumman/EADS to not bid on KC-X has also raided trade tensions in Europe, with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and other French, European Union and German officials warning the US that the decision could affect trans-Atlantic trade. The European view appears to be that, such a decision could not have been made without US government knowledge and, perhaps, intervention. “France regrets the decision which raises questions about whether competition rules are working properly,” AP reported French government spokesman Luc Chatel as saying on March 10.
“It is highly regrettable that a major potential supplier would feel unable to bid for a contract of this type,” European Union Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht said in a statement, according to Deutche Welle. “The European Commission would be extremely concerned if it were to emerge that the terms of tender were such as to inhibit open competition for the contract.”
Boeing CEO Jim Albaugh summed up the KC-X process thus: “It’s the longest running soap opera since Days of Our Lives. I’m not sure that we’ve seen the last episode.”

Statement by Deputy Secretary William Lynn on NG Tanker Announcement

(March 8, 2010) -- "We are disappointed by Northrop's decision not to submit a bid for the U.S. Air Force tanker replacement program.

In the last tanker replacement (KC-X) competition, Northrop Grumman competed well on both price and non-price factors. We strongly believe that the current competition is structured fairly and that both companies could compete effectively.

Based on the inputs we received from both offerors to the Department's draft Request for Proposal (RFP), we made changes to reduce the out-year risk to the potential manufacturers of KC-X. However, we did not change the war-fighters' requirements to accommodate either offeror.

The Department strongly supports trans-Atlantic defense industrial ties and believes they benefit the American war-fighter and taxpayer."

[FoxtrotAlpha18]

Where did those first two releases come from GB?

[Going Boeing]

Hi, the first two were from the Australian Aviation website & the third from ASD News. ASD News had articles similar to the first two. I suspect that this is a tactical move by Northrop Grumman & EADS and there will be further developments rather than Boeing being gifted the contract.

[woodja51]

Hey guys, anyone got any info on the CAE job looking for ex tanker/instructors with 330 experience at all - like what is involved with the job etc,

thanks

Wja

[FoxtrotAlpha18]

Hi, the first two were from the Australian Aviation website...

Yeah, I know...hence my question...

I know the guys from AA quite well. They're a small team who works really hard, and I'm sure they'd appreciate the appropriate attribution when cutting and pasting articles from their website.

[THRidle]

CAE job-

I gave them a call, it seems they are just after sim. instructors.

[Going Boeing]

The completion of this flight-test phase is a further major step towards final military certification of the aircraft
http://www.asdnews.com/data_news/ID27445_600.jpg
(April 20, 2010) -- Airbus Military has completed all the flight tests required for the daylight certification of the new generation hose-and drogue refuelling system on the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).

This paves the way towards the formal military certification of the system from Spain's INTA certification authority this summer.

The A330 MRTTT is fitted with the Cobham 905 system, which provides refuelling from under-wing pods. It is the most advanced hose and drogue refuelling system currently available. Testing covered all of the flight envelope required to certify the aircraft handling qualities with the hose-and-drogue deployed, and included a wide range of manoeuvres both in free-flight and in coupled mode with Spanish Air Force F-18 fighters.

"Following civil certification of the A330 MRTT on 17th March 2010, the completion of this flight-test phase is a further major step towards final military certification of the aircraft", says Airbus Military Head of Derivatives, Antonio Caramazana.

Meanwhile, flight testing of the Airbus Military Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) is also progressing well and will be completed shortly. Delivery of the first A330 MRTT will be to the Royal Australian Air Force later this year.

Source : Airbus, an EADS N.V. company (Paris: EAD.PA)

[Going Boeing]

(May 10, 2010) -- Preparations have begun to deliver thousands of items of tooling and spare parts from Europe to Australia to support the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) new fleet of Airbus Military A330 Multi-Role Tanker-Transport (MRTT) air-to-air refuelling tankers.

As part of the Commonwealth's AIR 5402 acquisition process under which Airbus Military is providing the RAAF with five such aircraft, designated by the air force as KC-30A MRTT, some 4,500 individual components - 500 units of Ground Support and Test equipment and 4,000 spares - will be delivered to 33 Squadron at RAAF Amberley, in Queensland, Australia, over the next three months.

The equipment will be needed when the first A330 MRTT enters squadron service at Amberley towards the end of the year.

Prime Contractor, Qantas Defence Services (QDS), and Airbus Military have signed a Through Life Support (TLS) Contract under which Airbus, through QDS, will ensure ongoing maintenance support to the A330 MRTT fleet over the next 22 years.

The signing was attended by the Chief Executive of Airbus Military, Mr. Domingo Urena, who had travelled from Spain for the occasion. Congratulating the parties, Mr. Domingo said: "Qantas and Airbus Military are the ideal team to deliver the level of services that our customer requires."

As Prime Contractor, Qantas Defence Services will base some 50 engineering support personnel at RAAF Amberley to manage the Through Life Support programme. In its Design and Maintenance Support role, Airbus Military will provide QDS with Engineering, Logistics, Technical Data, Supply and Training support services. It will also assign two Field Service Representatives to 33 Squadron for three years to ensure a smooth entry into service.

The Through Life Support agreement also provides for future contracts to ensure additional support for the military aspects of the fleet, specifically Deep Maintenance, consolidating and expanding Airbus Military's presence and role in Brisbane.

Australia has ordered five KC-30A MRTTs. By the end of the year two of these aircraft will have been delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force. Conversion of a third tanker-transport is underway at the Qantas Conversion Centre, Brisbane Airport.

Source : Airbus, an EADS N.V. company (Paris: EAD.PA)

[Andu]

Aren't some (most?) of them coming without the tanker fit but in VIP configuration so Kev can strut his stuff overseas in a widebody as befits His own opinion of Himself?

[IAW]

Wouldn't be much of a Mult-Role Tanker Transport without the Tanker part?

[Andu]

No, but Kev will have a VIP transport befitting his ego, which in the rarefied atmosphere of Canberra, is far more important than a smelly (and expensive) tanker fit.

[MTOW]

Can anyone say how many will be fitted out as tankers and how many as pure VIP/standard transports?

[Going Boeing]

MTOW, my understanding is that all five are to be Multi Role Tanker Transports.

I think that the original contract had options for two additional aircraft and when KRudd started talking about the inadequacies of the BBJ, there was speculation that the two option aircraft could be fitted with a quick change VIP configuration. I don't believe that this concept has proceeded past the speculation stage.

[Keg]

:confused: They're all tankers! They also have a config that is similar to the QF domestic layout but nothing approaching what the PM has on the 737.

[Barry Bernoulli]

Nonetheless, a VIP transport that can drag its own fighter escort may be handy under some circumstances...

... like for visting airshows and going to the V8s and stuff.

[Fubaar]

Keg, are you sure of that? I heard the tanker fit was to be dropped from at least two to save money and those two aircraft would be transports only and fitted with VIP suites (which, truth be told, will probably cost as much as the *** tanker fit).

Another seriously "kruddy" decision by the current (misnamed) government if it turns out to be true.

[Point0Five]

Keg's correct, they're all configured as MRTTs. VIP isn't on the table... for now :}

[707-338]

All five KC30A's will be delivered in the full tanker config. At this stage none of the aircraft will be used in a dedicated VIP role. There was speculation that another two A330's would be leased to replace the two BBJ's (there was a clause to end the BBJ lease at an earlier date) but this did not happen.

There was speculation of being able to add a small VIP section to the KC30A's but I do not believe that this has been ordered or looked at seriously.

[LMSuperHercules]

http://www.aviationadvertiser.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/a330freighter.jpg
Airbus Industrie’s A330-200F has been granted type certification today by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) following a successful 200-hour flight-test campaign. The trials were performed by two aircraft, covering both engine types on offer: Pratt and Whitney’s PW4000 and the Rolls-Royce Trent 700.
The aircraft’s certified payload capability of 70 tonnes is one tonne greater than expected
A derivative of the A330-200 passenger model, the dedicated freighter aircraft was certified through an amendment to the existing A330-200 EASA Type Certificate granted to Airbus in 1998. The EASA award will be followed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification.
The A330-200F features an optimised fuselage cross-section, offering flexibility to carry a wide variety of pallet and container sizes. The aircraft offers 30 per cent more volume than any freighter in its class, and is based on the proven A330 platform, for which Airbus has over 1,000 orders and already more than 650 aircraft in service. :ok: Give it time!!

[Going Boeing]

Airbus Military has for the first time demonstrated in flight 'buddy' refuelling between two A330 MRTT aircraft
http://www.asdnews.com/data_news/ID28019_600.jpg
(May 17, 2010) -- To-date three such flights have been performed, the latest one being part of the certification flight trials. This type of operation further illustrates the capability of the new-generation A330 MRTT tanker to refuel any kind of large receiver, even wide-body aircraft like another A330 MRTT or receiver aircraft with complex aerodynamics such as the E-3 AWACS tested in February. It also demonstrates the capability of the aircraft as a receiver and means that the A330 MRTT is now both the largest aircraft to have refuelled an A330 MRTT and the largest to have received fuel from it.

The two aircraft used for these flight trials were the first two A330 MRTTs built for the Royal Australian Air Force. They are both now being used in the final stages of the certification programme due for completion in the next months.

During the flights, performed over the Gulf of Cadiz in southern Spain, fuel was passed from the refuelling aircraft's Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) to the receiving aircraft's Universal Aerial Refuelling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI).

Programme director Airbus Military Derivatives, Antonio Caramazana, said: "This latest flight demonstrates the ability of the A330 MRTT to refuel a true widebody aircraft and to conduct buddy-buddy refuelling between two tankers, which is a vital enabler for even longer range deployments."

Source : Airbus, an EADS N.V. company (Paris: EAD.PA)

LMSuperHercules, do you know why the -200F has the "fairing" around the nosewheel?

[TBM-Legend]

longer nose gear to keep freighter floor 'flat' during loading/unloading.

[Bolty McBolt]

longer nose gear to keep freighter floor 'flat' during loading/unloading.

I was told same/similar nose gear but with larger wheels fitted to enable a floor flat config for loading

[Taildragger67]

Can I just get something straight here:

- the conversion from standard A330 to KC30A MRTT is being done at the Qantas Conversion Centre in Brisbane;

- testing is being carried out in Spain.

So does the conversion being done in Brissy, include the ARBS and pods?

If so, that would mean flying the 'green' aircraft from Toulouse to Brissy, fitting it out, then flying it back to Spain.

Bit of a waste of avgas?

(Later edit)

Got my own answer from Australian Aviation (http://australianaviation.com.au/first-australian-converted-kc-30-departs-for-spain/).

[Jethro Gibbs]

does the aircraft work now ? if not when thats the real question here.

[LMSuperHercules]

Bolty McBolt and TBM-Legend have it correct .....

To overcome the standard A330's nose-down body angle on the ground, the A330F uses a revised nose landing gear layout. The same A330-200 leg is used, however its attachment points are lower in the fuselage, requiring a distinctive blister fairing on the nose to accommodate the retracted nose-gear. This provides a level deck for cargo loading.

:ok:

[FoxtrotAlpha18]

Taildragger - Aircraft 3, 4 and 5 will be delivered straight to AMB from BNE...that is, if QDS is cleared to install LAIRCM as per US ITARS rules, otherwise a trip to the US may be required.:hmm: Aircraft 2 will be the first delivered (October?), followed by 3 (December?), and after all its orange wiring has been removed, 1 (April 011?). 4 and 5 will follow at roughly six month intervals after that.

Jethro - almost...still some issues with the boom to be sorted but they're not far off now.

[Zeke]

Jethro,

EASA awarded EADS a civil supplemental type certificate for the A330 MRTT mid march this year.

Airbus Military awarded civil certification from European Authority (http://www.a330mrtt.com/Press/PressRelease/tabid/190/ArticleId/37/Airbus-Military-awarded-civil-certification-from-European-Authority.aspx)

The STC covered the A330 modifications including the boom, enlarged cockpit with the Military Air Refuelling Console/Advanced Vision System, tanker flight control laws, and the universal aerial refuelling receptacle slipway.

The issue of the STC means the tanker works. What the aircraft is doing now is the military flight testing, which covers things which are not covered by civil regulations/procedures.

[Buster Hyman]

...and means that the A330 MRTT is now both the largest aircraft to have refuelled an A330 MRTT and the largest to have received fuel from it

...:bored:...well derrr!

[Gnadenburg]

still some issues with the boom to be sorted but they're not far off now.

Just in time for F111 retirement. :ugh:

[Truckmasters]

maybe other types beside the F111 might be interested in the boom!
Don't think it's so silly myself

[Jetsbest]

C17, Wedgetail, JSF soon-ish, allied F15s, F16s and transport types. It's all good! :ok:

[Gnadenburg]

One day, a capability gap due to continuous procurement cock ups is going to bite Australia on the ass.

Having no tankers for your tactical fighters in a regional skirmish could be game changing.

And it's the irony of it all too. Forty years after its introduction and probably around the time retirement. The F111 finally has an air to air refueling capability.

It's all very silly and and all very Australian.

[blumoon]

KC-30 remains on Projects of Concern list, AP-3C ESM added | Australian Aviation Magazine (http://australianaviation.com.au/kc-30-remains-on-projects-of-concern-list-ap-3c-esm-added/)

Defence Minister Stephen Smith and Defence Materiel Minister Jason Clare have added the AP-3C Orion’s Air 5276 Phase 8B ESM upgrade program to the list of ‘Projects of Concern’, while Project Air 5402 to acquire five Airbus Military KC-30 tanker/transports remains on the list, despite the aircraft recently gaining Spanish military certification (http://australianaviation.com.au/airbus-a330-mrtt-certified/).

Air 5402 is running more than 18 months late, with the main focus of the project now on addressing further schedule risk, and to keep working with contractor Airbus Military to ensure delivery and acceptance of the first two aircraft by the end of the year.

“I toured the aircraft conversion centre in Brisbane last week and was briefed on progress,” said Minister Clare. “Our focus is now on working with Airbus Military in Spain on developmental activities to support timely completion of testing and supporting activities.”

[Jethro Gibbs]

Yet another debacle

[Frazzled]

It;s not hard god damn it - BUY OFF THE SHELF!!!:ugh:

[Jethro Gibbs]

frazzled (http://frazzled)
how true why try reinvent the wheel .

[Going Boeing]

At the time that they were ordered, there was no "off the shelf" options available. The B767 tanker hadn't been built and the deliveries to Japan have subsequently been delayed extensively. It looks like neither of the big 2 aircraft manufacturers can deliver a "new" product on time. The Rhino and C-17 were in a mature state on the production line and the programs did go well due to buying "off the shelf" and limiting any mods that the RAAF wanted.

Just in: Italian tanker delay - The first two Italian air force Boeing KC-767 tankers are expected to be delivered at the end of the year. Delivery was first scheduled for 2005. Four are on order. They are fitted with boom and hose-drogue refueling systems on the centerline and hose-drogue wing pods.

[TBM-Legend]

Off the shelf: The Kiwis and Egyptians together with Poles operate the SH-2G Seasprite very successfully because they all purchased the "off the shelf" G model. Good old RAN/DMO try and build a model that has never been done - R&D alone was hundreds of millions with only 11 cabs to be purchased. F#@kwits I say are in charge of the circus...

The Tiger is unique to us....very very late, won't be ready until the 'next' war ; don't worry about our lack of air support for the boys and girls in A/Stan...

[blumoon]

Anyone know how the 20th of Oct KC-30A delivery to the RAAF went?

:cool:

[FoxtrotAlpha18]

Now sked for Dec 22... *not holding breath* :ok:

[Jethro Gibbs]

A Debacle what more can be said .:eek:

[FoxtrotAlpha18]

Not a debacle...it works fine, it's just late!

[Jethro Gibbs]

If it worked it would not be late lets get real cock up stamped all over it.

[Going Boeing]

FoxAlpha, do you know what have been the technical issues that have been plaguing this project?

[FoxtrotAlpha18]

There were some minor boom issues early on but nothing else to speak of, it was mainly just Airbus underestimating the amount of work required and then not having enough engineering resources to throw at it when it started to slip.

[FoxtrotAlpha18]

Ooops...slipped again...:uhoh:

Airbus misses RAAF KC-30 MRTT delivery deadline | Australian Aviation Magazine (http://australianaviation.com.au/2010/12/airbus-misses-raaf-kc-30-mrtt-delivery-deadline/)

There's a bit more to it, but this covers most of it!

Merry Christmas all. :cool:

[Jethro Gibbs]

What a Shock Delayed Again :ugh:
You have to love the quote below deliver nothing and its an outstanding year just wait till they actually deliver something.:ok:

Nonetheless, despite the new delays, Airbus Military has declared 2010 an “outstanding year” for its A330 MRTT program:eek:

[Gnadenburg]

Can't wait for JSF. And the new subs. Other emerging disasters?

Oh, and the stealthy cruise missiles the RAAF bought that, along with tankers, I'm sure were part of the F111 retirement deal.

[Jethro Gibbs]

Planes and helis that do not fly now 2 maybe 3 rusted out navy ships that cannot go to sea and are to be scrapped.:ugh:

[FlexibleResponse]

The Western and therefore the Australian philosophy for defence personnel and equipment is to ensure the highest training standards and the best military systems in an effort to overcome and try to outweigh the sheer weight of numbers that many potential aggressors might be able to mount against us.

Therefore, of necessity, we must strive to purchase the moist effective and up-to-date weapon systems that are available in the world.

To send our diminutive force into the likely current day and future battlefields with anything less, is to condemn our young military men and women to death.

New high-tech weapon systems are by nature very risky not only in terms of test and development technical risk, but also in terms of manufacturing and cost risks.

This will never change...

[Going Boeing]

Australia - Sustainment for MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters
The Estimated Cost is $1.6 Billion
http://www.asdnews.com/data_news/ID33322_600.jpg
ASDNews: Feb 3, 2011 Washington - The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Feb. 1 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia of a 10-year Through-Life-Support (TLS) for 24 MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters, and associated equipment, parts, and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.6 billion.

The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of ten year Through-Life-Support (TLS) for (24) MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters. The sustainment effort will include spare and repair parts provisioning, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $1.6 billion.

Australia, one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific, contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. Australia's efforts in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations in Iraq and in Afghanistan have served U.S. national security interests.

The proposed sale will provide Australia the resources necessary to properly maintain its 24 MH-60R helicopters. Australia, which already has S-70B helicopters in its inventory, will have no difficulty performing the actions necessary to properly sustain these additional helicopters.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

Source : Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)

[TBM-Legend]

The move from S-70B to MH-60R would be simple like the intro of the Super Hornet. No risk and saves time and money. In use in the hundreds with our Pacific partner the USN. What's wrong with this picture?????

[sierra5913]

Did anyone miss this bit of news?

Boom or bust! – RAAF KC-30 loses boom | Australian Aviation Magazine (http://australianaviation.com.au/2011/01/boom-or-bust-raaf-kc-30-loses-boom/)


Boom or bust! – RAAF KC-30 loses boom

I

http://australianaviation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/012-RAAF-A330-MRTT-KC-30A-refuelling-F-16-through-ARBSHR-300x182.jpg (http://australianaviation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/012-RAAF-A330-MRTT-KC-30A-refuelling-F-16-through-ARBSHR.jpg)


An Airbus Military A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), one of five on order for the RAAF as the KC-30A, suffered the partial loss of its air-to-air refuelling boom over the Atlantic Ocean on January 19.
The incident happened while the first of five KC-30As bound for the RAAF – and the first A330 MRTT development aircraft – was conducting a refuelling currency mission with Portuguese air force F-16s. Sources say preliminary reports suggest the boom’s probe snapped off near the F-16’s receptacle, causing the boom to spring up and strike the underside of the KC-30, possibly snapping off one of its two guiding fins and causing it to oscillate wildly until it snapped off at the pivot point.
The boom departed the aircraft and fell to the ocean below. Fortunately, both the tanker and the F-16 recovered safely to their respective bases with no injuries to the crews of either aircraft.
Damage to both aircraft is currently being assessed, while investigations by Airbus Military and Portuguese air force officials have begun. RAAF Directorate of Defence Aviation and Air Force Safety (DDAAFS) officials are already on their way to Madrid to join in the investigation.

[Like This - Do That]

Did anyone miss this bit of news?

Sierra, I'm sure some people missed it, but it was discussed at length:

http://www.pprune.org/military-aircrew/440183-kc-30-boom-comes-off.html

[Gnadenburg]

The Western and therefore the Australian philosophy for defence personnel and equipment is to ensure the highest training standards and the best military systems in an effort to overcome and try to outweigh the sheer weight of numbers that many potential aggressors might be able to mount against us.

Therefore, of necessity, we must strive to purchase the moist effective and up-to-date weapon systems that are available in the world.

To send our diminutive force into the likely current day and future battlefields with anything less, is to condemn our young military men and women to death.

New high-tech weapon systems are by nature very risky not only in terms of test and development technical risk, but also in terms of manufacturing and cost risks.

This will never change...

I strongly disagree with this view.

If a small nation like Australia, bought in service and proven military equipment, we would not regularly face the absurd situation of having capability gaps.

We can't afford the luxury you describe. It hasn't worked and procurement process has too often failed.

Just a quick glance again at Singapore- tankers, SAMS, proven attack helicopters, AWACS, evolved and proven tactical fighters in good numbers, F15E in service whilst Australia gambled on an old platform and JSF etc ...

That's where I struggle with your comment here-

To send our diminutive force into the likely current day and future battlefields with anything less, is to condemn our young military men and women to death.

Singapore, through sensible and cost effective procurements, does not accept a capability gap. And I suggest, that because we do, it could be catastrophic for our young men in a future conflict. For example, how exposed are we without tankers, or AWACS, or a stand off missile, in a contained skirmish in Asia? What about Afganistan and relying on Dutch Apaches because our piece of crap isn't operational?

Buy stuff that is operational and proven. Give our young men and women a chance and don't gamble on not being exposed by a capability gap in pursuit of unproven technology.

[peuce]

I was just wondering ... what was the last piece of flying equipment that Defense has brought in that works ?

Not counting the C-17 and F-18 ... that were off the shelf.

[Jethro Gibbs]

Cannot be to much longer before this project moves from the Projects of Concern list to the long long long dumped list.

[Gnadenburg]

I was just wondering ... what was the last piece of flying equipment that Defense has brought in that works ?


King Air, 737, Bombardier....

Hardly cutting edge miltary equipment but I'm glad they didn't cock it up.

[S70IP]

I was just wondering ... what was the last piece of flying equipment that Defense has brought in that works ?

Defense bought? Or the Government of the day decided to buy, despite Defense's recommendation...:rolleyes:

[Gnadenburg]

Yes, didn't everyone love Labor's spin a couple of elections ago. The F22 was on the cards. As suspected, all BS-


Labor's review of Howard's fighters decision a sham (http://www.theage.com.au/national/labors-review-of-howards-fighters-decision-a-sham-20110208-1almj.html)

[Keg]

Another perfect example of playing politics for the sake of it rather than actually focussing on doing the right thing. Every thinking person at the time knew it, here is the proof.

[Jethro Gibbs]

So its march and still no Delivery.

[Fliegenmong]

Hmmmm, I remember Fitzgibbon......

On 26 March 2009, Fairfax Media newspapers reported that officers in the Department of Defence had conducted a covert and unauthorised investigation into Fitzgibbon's friendship with a Chinese-Australian businesswoman in the belief that it constituted a security risk. This was alleged to have included officers from the Defence Signals Directorate accessing the computer network in Fitzgibbon's office to obtain the woman's bank details.[6][7] The Department has launched an urgent inquiry into the reports. Nick Warner, the Department's Secretary, stated that he had not seen any information to confirm the claims and that there were no circumstances in which secret investigations into Ministers could be authorised.[8] Fitzgibbon was reported to be "furious" about the investigation, and has suggested that it may have been conducted by officials opposed to his reforms to the Australian Defence Organisation.[9][7]

[bankrunner]

Fliegenmong, you may also then remember that the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and the Defence Security Authority found that whoever made the allegations was telling porkies.

[Jethro Gibbs]

Anyway still no Delivery.

[rjtjrt]

First A330 MRTT/KC-30A on way (literally) to Australia (at last).
Odd delivery route.

PICTURES: Australia to receive first Airbus Military A330 MRTT (http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/05/27/357285/pictures-australia-to-receive-first-airbus-military-a330-mrtt.html)

John

[TBM-Legend]

delivery route is normal if you consider aircraft security at stopovers...

[Gnadenburg]

Las Vegas Airport? And besides, isn't the aeroplane devoid of its EW equipment.

[Flogged Horse]

There's you answer -> "Devoid of EW gear". It needs a fit out in the US before coming home.

[FoxtrotAlpha18]

The first two or three MRTTs (at least) will not arrive in Australia with LAIRCM. There is still an unresolved dispute between the US State Dept and Airbus over where it will be installed and by whom.:ugh:

[Gnadenburg]

So flogged horse is a bulshi$$er...

Why Vegas then and not Nellis? If, as TBM alludes to, the delivery route being normal for security purposes.

[BatOutaHell]

I have seen on other forums that the MRTTs delivered to the RAAF have an inoperable boom and have not have LARCIM installed. They further state that the boom will not be operable until late 2012.
Has anyone seen a media report on this.

[FoxtrotAlpha18]

No boom for at least 12 months.

LAIRCM was to have been installed in Spain during conversion, but the US withdrew approval to do so. Will be done in Brisbane or the US early next year.

Publicly released - good article in current Australian Aviation (with Super Hornet on cover)

[Jethro Gibbs]

So how overdue is this now ?

[FoxtrotAlpha18]

Coming up to three years now... :hmm:

Someone said to me the other day, "the only trouble with Airbus Military is the 'Airbus' bit!" :}

[Gnadenburg]

KC767 buy would have been delayed too.

Is the RAAF making use of all that Airbus corporate knowledge out there amongst former RAAF pilots? Would not be hard to lure a bunch back in the present environment.

[woodja51]

Absolutely keen to use my 5500 330/340 hours, 3000 B777, 1000 hours 707 VIP and tanking hours as B707 QFI to help the project. Getting a bit over the sandpit after 12 years... just contemplating the change to get my head around the move.
WJA

[Gnadenburg]

You've done well to last 12 years. What an awful part of the world. Good luck with greener pastures.

[Jethro Gibbs]

You have to wonder how long overdue this can be before some one in goverment says Enough its over Cancelled.

[RATpin]

woodja51,Matt is that you?

[woodja51]

RAT - correct PM me if you like to de ident ya self!
M

[MTOW]

From Jethro Gibbs' post: You have to wonder how long overdue this can be before some one in goverment says Enough its over Cancelled.See Wiley's post # 5 on Page 1 of this very thread.

For those too lazy to go back to page 1, here it is (in part):

Call me a cynic, but I'll believe this program comes in on time, on budget and delivering the product as promised when I see it.

...and a press release from EADS saying all's going well does not constitute "seeing it".

[midsomerjambo]

Would anyone in the know care to comment on whether there's any truth in the rumour I've heard that the RAAF are in the market for a 6th MRTT?

MSJ

[Going Boeing]

Would anyone in the know care to comment on whether there's any truth in the rumour I've heard that the RAAF are in the market for a 6th MRTT?

Would this one have some "political support" in that it would come with a VIP configuration? That would solve the "baggage limitations" and lack of room for the media that the BBJ suffers from.

[woodja51]

The original complement of 707s at 33 sqn was to have been 6 , with four i think in the tanker role... Until we lost one in ESL and then there were 5 from what I remember. So maybe the concept of 6 is not new, and if there are bbj limits I have no doubt that the mrtt might get configured in a pods off, vip fitout at some point if pollies thinkit a good idea.
Need to get the first five from abusmil before we go asking for more output ...
It has been a long time coming but finally the plan appears to be coming together!

[Keg]

I'd prefer them to just buy two A330s as VIP transport and be done with it. It's not like it's not a justifiable decision. In between times it could do a lot of the work to/from MEAO that the ADF pay charter mobs to do.