, MELBOURNE: Northrop Grumman Corporation has assembled a powerful industrial team to produce the KC-30 Tanker air refueling aircraft for the U.S. Air Force.
“We're extremely pleased with the team of world-class partners we've assembled to build and integrate this highly capable and versatile weapon system for the Air Force,” said Paul Meyer, Northrop Grumman's vice president of Air Mobility Systems and general manager of the KC-30 Tanker program. “In addition to being the most modern, capable tanker available, the KC-30 provides the Air Force with flexibility to meet current and future challenges.”
Partner companies on Northrop Grumman's KC-30 Tanker program include EADS (European Aerospace Defence and Space Company), GE Aviation, Sargent Fletcher, Honeywell, Smiths Aerospace, Parker Aerospace, AAR Cargo Systems, Telephonics Corporation and General Dynamics.
Northrop Grumman selected EADS as an exclusive partner and principal subcontractor in September 2005. EADS will provide the aircraft-the A330-200-and the air refueling boom system for the KC-30. “We're very proud to participate on the Northrop Grumman-led KC-30 team,” said John Young, president and CEO of EADS North America Tankers. “The A330-200 is a proven platform, and combined with the EADS boom, offers the U.S. Air Force a low risk solution to meet its demanding refueling and multi-mission requirements.”
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Northrop Grumman conducted a rigorous down-select process to choose the best engine at the lowest risk for the KC-30. As a result of that process, Northrop Grumman selected and consequently formed an exclusive partnership with GE Aviation to provide the CF6-80E1 engine to power the KC-30 Tanker. The highly reliable and efficient CF6-80E1 engine has amassed more than 3.6 million flight hours powering A330 aircraft.
“We're excited to be part of the KC-30 team and look forward to leveraging our successful relationship with Northrop Grumman on other programs, such as the B-2,” said Russ Sparks, president of GE Military Systems. “The CF6-80E1 engine is an excellent fit for the KC-30 and its mission.”
Northrop Grumman's KC-30 Tanker carries 45,000 more pounds of fuel than a KC-135, providing a significant boost to the U.S. Air Force's global reach. The KC-30 is also designed to refuel Navy and coalition aircraft, and to serve as a multi-role transport aircraft to move passengers, cargo and medical evacuation patients. The KC-30 incorporates defense systems, precision fly-by-wire technology, and the ability to integrate a communications suite and a global support network.
The KC-30 will be assembled in Mobile, Ala., and is based on the highly reliable, commercial A330 aircraft. The A330 platform was selected in the last three tanker competitions to support the air forces of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.
The KC-30 will be Northrop Grumman's entrant in the U.S. Air Force's KC-135 Tanker Replacement Program, KC-X. A final request for proposal for the KC-X competition is expected in April, with contract award targeted for the last quarter of 2007.
The KC-30 Industry Team
1. EADS: A330-200 Aircraft and Air Refueling Boom System
EADS will supply the commercially superior A330-200 aircraft and aerial refueling boom system. The A330 is the leader in its class with 680 aircraft orders to date and 456 aircraft in active service. Final assembly of the KC-30 aircraft will take place in Mobile, Ala. prior to being militarized in the adjacent Northrop Grumman facility.
2. GE Aviation: CF6-80E1 Engine
GE Aviation is the exclusive supplier of the CF6-80E1 engine to power the KC-30 Tanker. The CF6 engine family has a long history of high reliability, excellent fuel burn and durability across numerous aircraft models. GE engines currently power more than 80 percent of the U.S. Air Force tanker fleet. GE's CF6 engine family supports more than 250 customers around the globe, with 6,700 engines delivered to date. CF6 engines have amassed more than 350 million flight hours.
3. Sargent Fletcher Inc.: Air Refueling Systems
Sargent Fletcher Inc., U.S. Division of Cobham Plc, brings 50 years of air refueling experience to a competition where the primary mission is air refueling support. As the world leader in air refueling capabilities, Sargent Fletcher brings a combat proven, affordable and operationally effective air refueling system to the KC-30 Tanker aircraft. Their air refueling equipment is currently certified and operating in combat today on the KC-135, KC-10, KC-130J, MC-130H and F-18.
4. Honeywell: Radio Management System, Mission Avionics Suite and Mechanical Systems
Based in Phoenix, Honeywell's aerospace business is a leading global provider of integrated avionics, engines, systems and service solutions for aircraft manufacturers, airlines, business and general aviation, military, space and airport operations.
5. Smiths Aerospace: Flight Management System
Smiths Aerospace is the preeminent supplier of military flight management systems (FMS) and is the supplier of choice for common Flight Management Systems for the KC-X tanker, A330 Multi-role Tanker Transport (MRTT), C-130AMP, E-4B, E-6B; the U.S. Navy's E-2D, P-8A (MMA) and United Kingdom's MRA4 Nimrod.
6. Parker Aerospace: Air Refueling Receptacle
Parker Aerospace will provide the KC-30 Tanker's Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI). Similar UARRSI systems are currently used on the U.S. Air Force's A-7K, B-1B, C-141B, C-130, C-17, and KC-10 aircraft.
7. AAR Cargo Systems: Cargo Loading System
AAR Cargo Systems specializes in the design and manufacture of in-aircraft cargo loading systems and has been at the forefront of innovative cargo handling and logistics systems for commercial and military applications for more than 40 years. AAR Cargo System customers include package and heavy freight fleet operators, military customers, original equipment manufacturers and aircraft conversion shops.
8. Telephonics Corporation: Intercommunication System
Telephonics Corporation, Communication Systems Division is the world's leading supplier of secure intercommunication systems for military aircraft programs. Telephonics holds a large footprint within the U.S. Air Force community, with digital open architecture intercommunication systems on platforms such as the C-17A and E-8C Joint STARS. Telephonics also supports modernization programs like the C-130 Avionics Modernization Program and the B-52 Combat Network Technologies program.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $30 billion global defense and technology company whose 122,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.
