EADS Tanker Program Demonstrates A330 MRTT's Maturity With Airborne Fuel Transfer Utilizing Hose-and-Drogue System

ARLINGTON, VA, Nov 12 (MARKET WIRE) --
The A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), an Airbus Military program,
has performed the first fuel transfers with its all-digital
hose-and-drogue system, confirming the aircraft's aerial refueling
capabilities for a full range of U.S., NATO and allied nation military
aircraft.

The hose-and-drogue "wet contacts" occurred November 10 during a mission
that utilized both the A330 MRTT left and right under-wing pods, with more
than 9,200 lbs of fuel transferred to a NATO F/A-18 fighter aircraft.

The latest refueling milestone was performed by the Royal Australian Air
Force (RAAF) A330 MRTT and followed recent daytime and nighttime refueling
operations utilizing the aircraft's advanced Aerial Refueling Boom System
(ARBS). As a result, both refueling systems on the A330 MRTT have now been
demonstrated through flight tests, confirming the aircraft's maturity in
preparation for the startup of deliveries to international customers
beginning in 2010.

"Versatility is a key attribute for aerial refueling, and this latest
milestone further underscores the A330 MRTT's capability to meet the
spectrum of air refueling requirements from a true next-generation tanker
aircraft," said Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., Chairman of EADS North America.

The A330 MRTT's all-digital 905E refueling pods are the most modern in
service today, with the capability to deliver up to 420 gallons of fuel
per minute. Their 90-ft.-long hoses are designed to accommodate
probe-equipped military receiver aircraft at refueling speeds of 180 to
325 knots. The refueling process is controlled from a state-of-the-art
Remote Aerial Refueling Operator (RARO) station located on the A330
MRTT's flight deck behind the pilots, which also is utilized for
refueling operations with the ARBS.

The RAAF A330 MRTT is nearly identical in configuration to and uses the
same refueling systems as the Northrop Grumman KC-45 Tanker. As with the
KC-45, Australia's A330 MRTT incorporates the Airbus Military
state-of-the-art ARBS with all-electric, fly-by-wire controls, plus the
two digital hose-and-drogue pods under the wings. The ARBS can deliver
fuel at 1,200 U.S. gallons per minute, a key requirement for the U.S. Air
Force's tanker.

This mix of boom and pod refueling technologies ensures the A330 MRTT and
KC-45 can transfer fuel to all types of receiver aircraft during a single
mission without reconfiguration. In addition, the wing-mounted pods allow
for simultaneous multi-point refueling. The KC-45 also offers a centerline
hose-and-drogue fuselage refueling unit.

The A330 MRTT is the next-generation tanker of choice for NATO and allied
forces worldwide, and continues its flight test and certification effort
in preparation for the first deliveries next year.

All recent competitions for next-generation aerial refueling aircraft have
been won by the A330 MRTT -- with selections made by the air forces of
Australia, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
A total of 28 A330 MRTTs have been ordered to date.

The first of Australia's five A330 MRTTs on order will be delivered in
mid-2010. Conversion is complete for the country's first two aircraft, and
the process is ongoing for a third at Qantas Aviation Services in
Australia.

A total of five A330 MRTT aircraft currently are in the conversion and
flight test process by Airbus Military: the three for Australia, plus two
for the United Kingdom -- underscoring the company's ability to build,
outfit and deliver the next-generation tanker at a sustained rate. In
addition, the first A330 MRTT for the Saudi Royal Air Force will arrive in
late November for the start of its conversion and mission equipment
outfitting.

About EADS North America

EADS North America is the North American operation of EADS, a global
leader in aerospace, defense and related services. As a leader in all
sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its
parent company, EADS, contribute over $11 billion to the U.S. economy
annually and support more than 200,000 American jobs through its network
of suppliers and services. Operating in 17 states, EADS North America
offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the
commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.

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Media Contact:
Guy Hicks
Vice President, Corporate Communications
EADS North America
Tel: 703 236 3346
E-mail: Email Contact

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