The EADS advanced aerial refueling boom system, featured on Northrop Grumman’s KC-45 offering for the U.S. Air Force, demonstrated nighttime operational capabilities during a multi-contact mission with an F-16 fighter aircraft. The boom’s system features laser infrared lighting and high-definition digital stereoscopic viewing. The boom was installed on EADS’ A310 test bed, and involved a Portuguese F-16AM. (Source: EADS, 07/08/09) Gulf Coast note: EADS and partner Northrop Grumman plan to establish a tanker assembly plant in Mobile, Ala., if they win the Air Force tanker contest against Boeing.
