Consortium Notes 'Competitive Success' Against KC-767

The Royal Saudi Air Force announced this week it will acquire EADS A330 Multi-role Tanker/Transport (MRTT) -- a move EADS says puts its offering in the USAF KC-X contract bid in an even better competitive position, and further consolidates the MRTT's position as the most operationally flexible global aerial refueling platform.

Saudi Arabia's A330 MRTTs will be equipped with EADS’ centerline-mounted Air Refueling Boom System (ARBS) and a pair of underwing hose and drogue refueling pods. The configuration is similar to that specified for the Royal Australian Air Force’s refueling aircraft, as well as proposed for the Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker offered in the US Air Force KC-135 replacement competition.

The Saudi decision marks the A330 MRTT’s fourth consecutive international win, and follows previous A330 MRTT selections by US allies Australia, Great Britain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

"Saudi Arabia’s competitive choice is another validation of the A330 MRTT’s superior capabilities as a tanker and a true force multiplier," said John Young, CEO of EADS North America Tankers. "It demonstrates the competitive strengths of this very capable tanker/transport platform, which is being offered as the KC-30 Tanker by our team leader, Northrop Grumman, for the US Air Force’s tanker fleet recapitalization."

EADS notes the twin-engine A330 MRTT -- and the KC-30 advanced Tanker variant offered in KC-X -- provides in-flight refueling capability, plus full flexibility in cargo delivery, passenger transport, aeromedical evacuation and other missions. That level of flexibility and capacity for multi role missions exceeds other refueling platforms offered on the market today... most notably Boeing's smaller, albeit less expensive, KC-767, which is intended to serve primarily as an in-flight refueler.

A330 MRTT production is well underway, EADS states, with the Royal Australian Air Force's first aircraft being readied for delivery. Its mission equipment includes the fly-by-wire Air Refueling Boom System, the pair of underwing refueling pods, and an electronic warfare self-protection suite to counter surface-to-air missiles.

Saudi Arabia’s A330 MRTT order adds to the growing military and civil bookings for the A330 series of twin-engine aircraft. To date, more than 900 sales have been logged for A330s, including the military tanker/transports, the new A330-200F Freighter, and civilian airliners for domestic and international carriers.

FMI: www.eadsnorthamerica.com