RAAF A330 MRTT progress
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NGC KC-45: Why We Won - Versatility
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
(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
Thread Starter
Roll-In of Airbus A330 for Air-to-Air Refuelling Modifications
(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
"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
Thread Starter
The political fallout continues!
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
(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
Thread Starter
Pentagon Officials Reopen Bidding on Tanker Contract
(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
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
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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.
* 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.
Thread Starter
Airbus Military Initiates Testing of the A330 MRTT As a Receiver
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
Thread Starter
A330 MRTT Performs Receiver Testing With a French AF KC-135
(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
Thread Starter
Airbus Military Successfully Concludes A330 MRTT Boom Flutter Testing
(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.
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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.
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.
Thread Starter
A330 MRTT Successfully Performed 1st Contacts Using New Refuelling Pods
(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.
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Wiley,
Still, probably better than that for the booms on the KC135 and KC10...
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.
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.
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Great Southern Land
Age: 57
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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?