EADS Advances the Royal Australian Air Force's KC-30B Multi-Role Tanker Transport to Next Test Phase
Aircraft completes ground vibration testing and moves closer to flight test
(Arlington, Virginia , May 7, 2007) -- EADS has successfully completed ground vibration testing of the Royal Australian Air Force's first KC-30B Multi-role Tanker Transport (MRTT), advancing the world's most capable military aerial refueling tanker/transport program closer to the flight test phase.
Designed to validate the KC-30B MRTT's airframe structural response, these ground-based tests were conducted with the centerline fly-by-wire Aerial Refueling Boom System (ARBS) and two underwing hose-and-drogue pods installed. Since the aircraft's underwing pods can be installed or removed depending on operational requirements, ground vibration testing was also performed without the pods.
Completion of the EADS ground-based evaluations - which were monitored by international airworthiness authorities - clears the way for the start of flight tests with the no. 1 KC-30B MRTT, including in-flight refueling contacts with a variety of receiver aircraft.
"The successful completion of ground vibration testing marks another significant milestone in the KC-30 MRTT program, taking this superb aircraft one step closer to its service entry with the Royal Australian Air Force," said John H. Young, Jr., CEO of EADS North America Tankers - a business unit of EADS North America. "The advances of this program directly benefit the Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker being offered in the U.S. Air Force KC-135 replacement competition."
Source : EADS North America
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