Friday, May 21, 2010

Tanker completes key test

Two A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft have successfully completed tanker-to-tanker refueling missions. The two MRTTs are in certification flights for Australia. The plane has also successfully refueled F-16 and F/A-18 fighters and E-3 AWACS. The MRTT is the same design as the KC-45 that EADS North America plans to offer in the contest to build U.S. tankers. If the KC-45 wins, the planes will be assembled in Mobile, Ala. The company also plans to assemble freighter aircraft at the same facility. (Source: EADS North America, 05/19/10) Boeing, the other company that plans to compete for the U.S. tanker project, will build its planes, a modified 767, in Washington state.