KC-30 Tanker aircraft tested with Air Refueling Boom System

, ARLINGTON:  The world's most advanced in-flight refueling system has entered the next phase of its full-scale validation and flight testing. The EADS Air Refueling Boom System (ARBS) will be integrated into the Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker aircraft proposed for the U.S. Air Force KC-135 Tanker replacement competition. It also will soon equip the fleet of five EADS KC-30B tanker aircraft ordered by the Royal Australian Air Force. 
 
The EADS ARBS successfully completed a series of key milestones, including fully extending and maneuvering the refueling boom in-flight, thereby advancing the system to the next phase of flight evaluations intended to clear its use throughout the full refueling test and operations envelope. This major accomplishment follows 11 previous flight tests and associated milestones that began in March 2006. 
 
In the most recent flight test, the refueling boom successfully completed seven full extension deployments and subsequent recoveries to the stowed position. Tests included evaluation of the boom's operational flight envelope and overall handling characteristics. The system also performed in-flight flutter tests at different extended boom lengths and at a variety of aircraft bank angles – reflecting operational use and conditions.  
 

A chase aircraft participated in the flight test and validated the Pilot Director Light (PDL) system functionality from a pre-contact position, representing key milestone events leading to the eventual testing of the refueling boom with a receiver aircraft in the full contact position. 
 
“Our ARBS is the most capable refueling system ever designed and the ongoing validation testing clearly demonstrates its ability to service a full range of aircraft,” said EADS North America Chairman and CEO Ralph D. Crosby, Jr. “The pace and success of our boom development and test activities are well on schedule to meet the requirements of the Northrop Grumman-led KC-30 team bid for the U.S. Air Force KC-135 replacement competition, as well as the Royal Australian Air Force KC-30B program.” 
 
The all electric fly-by-wire ARBS provides highly accurate, reliable in-flight refueling and is the result of a nearly three year, $100 million EADS self-funded research and development effort. With a maximum nominal fuel flow rate of 1,200 U.S. gallons per minute, the ARBS utilizes fly-by-wire controls and features an automatic load alleviation system that provides a larger refueling envelope and enhanced controllability. The system's all electric design significantly reduces traditional failure rates and subsequent down times. Using a 3D-vision surveillance system, the boom operator can remotely control ARBS operations from the cockpit during air-to-air refueling. 
 
The Royal Australian Air Force's first KC-30B Multi-Role Tanker Transport currently is undergoing its outfitting process, during which the aircraft will be equipped with a centerline ARBS, a pair of under-wing pods with hose and drogue refueling systems (the same fourth-generation model series as currently in operational service on the U.S. Air Force MC-130 and the EADS A310 tankers flown by Canada and Germany), and an electronic warfare self-protection suite for defense against surface-to-air missiles.  
 
EADS North America is the North American operations of EADS, the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over $8.5 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 174,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers and services. With 10 operating companies located in 38 cities and 19 states, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.