Sun, Oct 31, 2010
Points To Helicopter Program As Benchmark Of Success
EADS North America says it has marked another step forward for
its KC-45 aerial refueling tanker program with the maiden flight of
the second Airbus Military A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT)
for the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force (RAF). The KC-45 is
the U.S. Air Force configuration of the A330 MRTT.
Airbus Photo
The lastest aircraft is the fifth A330 MRTT currently flying,
with several more in production for the four U.S. allies that have
chosen the A330 MRTT. Deliveries of A330 MRTTs will begin before
year-end, with Australia receiving the first aircraft.
“By offering the U.S. Air Force the same tanker platform
that is proving its capabilities today for allies like the United
Kingdom and Australia, we’re providing a low-risk solution
for both the warfighter and the taxpayer," said Ralph D. Crosby
Jr., EADS North America Chairman in a news release. "And
we’re going to put 48,000 Americans to work building the
KC-45 here in the U.S.”
EADS says the KC-45, as well as A330-based commercial freighter
aircraft, will be assembled in a new aerospace center of excellence
in Mobile, AL, using a nationwide network of hundreds of American
suppliers.
Lakota File Photo
The French News Service AFP reports that EADS is pointing to the
success of the UH-72A Lakota program as a benchmark for future
success with the KC-45. EADS North America has delivered 133 of the
light-utility non-combat helicopters to the U.S. Army since 2006.
The remarks were made at the Association of the US Army annual
convention.
The Pentagon is expcted to announce the winner of the KC-X
tanker competition in November. Boeing's tanker is based on the
B767 platform.
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