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.

FMI: www.eads.com, www.boeing.com, www.af.mil