One Step Closer To Production For KC-X Competitor

The advanced Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS) destined for the Northrop Grumman/EADS KC-45 Tanker has performed multiple aerial contacts with an operational Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, confirming its ability to support large aircraft in US, NATO, and allied air forces.

Northrop tells ANN the test mission fulfilled several key flight and program milestones for the KC-45's all-electric, fly-by-wire Aerial Refueling Boom System, including sustaining one of the tanker-to-receiver aircraft contacts to simulate large offloads. The continued successful testing of the ARBS is further indication of the boom system's maturity and readiness for the US Air Force's next generation KC-45 Tanker.

"The accomplishment of yet another key ARBS test program milestone is proof of the maturity of our aerial refueling capability and of the KC-45's readiness to fulfill our promise to the US Air Force and the joint warfighter," said Paul Meyer, Northrop Grumman vice president and general manager of air mobility systems. "The Air Force has clearly stated they need this capability as soon as possible to replace the aging KC-135 fleet, and we offer the lowest risk, most capable solution now."

The July 18 test used the exact ARBS configuration proposed for the KC-45, and was controlled by a former US Air Force boom operator. The KC-45's all-electric ARBS provides highly accurate, reliable in-flight refueling, with a maximum nominal fuel flow rate of 1,200 US gallons per minute. Because this boom has the largest envelope of any available in the industry, both the AWACS crew and the boom operator were impressed with the relative ease and efficiency of the refueling operation -- which replicated conditions of operational mission scenarios with the KC-45 boom and the large receiver aircraft. This follows previous in-flight evaluations that confirmed the ARBS' excellent handling qualities with large receiver platforms along with smaller and faster combat aircraft that has included the F-16, F-1, F/A-18 and C101 in previous testing.

Modern fly-by-wire technology incorporated in the ARBS provides enhanced controllability and includes an automatic load alleviation system that greatly aids the boom operator -- as well as the receiver aircraft's pilot -- during refueling operations.

"The ARBS is the cornerstone of the most advanced and mature Tanker in the world today and that's exactly what we must provide to our American men and woman in uniform," said John Young, CEO of EADS North America Tankers.

FMI: www.northropgrumman.com/kc45