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EADS CASA Air Refuelling Boom System programme at the final and definitive test phases.

This news was published on Wednesday, January 31st, 2007 and is archived under Industry.

Madrid, January 31, 2007- The EADS CASA’s A310 Boom Demonstrator Aircraft has done, on January 30, 2007, its 12th test flight and the boom has been successfully deployed for the first time. EADS CASA Boom has been deployed on progressive steps from stowed position to its nominal trail position and Hoist and extension/retraction actuation systems have properly performed. Boom envelope has also been expanded in roll and first evaluation of boom flight handling qualities have been carried out. All expected flight test objectives have been covered without any deviation from expected results.

On March 30, 2006 the first phase of the ARBS (Air Refuelling Boom System) flight test programme was successfully completed after 3 years of development, where EADS CASA completed the design and manufacture of this new generation refuelling boom.

A series of flight tests have been performed in recent months as part of the flight test program to prove the capabilities and functionalities of the system. This has been a step forward in reaching the objectives planned and placing the program at the beginning of the final and definitive phases.

Besides an advanced boom main structure, the ARBS has fly-by-wire controls, including an automatic load alleviation system, that gives a larger refuelling envelope and improved controllability. The maximum nominal fuel flow is 1200 US gal./min. A boom operator, RARO (Remote Aerial Refuelling Operator), sat at a station located in the cockpit, controls an artificial 3D-vision surveillance system during the entire air-to-air refuelling process.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2005, EADS generated revenues of € 34,2 billion and employed a workforce of about 113,000. The EADS Group includes the aircraft

manufacturer Airbus, the world’s largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and the joint venture MBDA, the international leader in missile systems. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, is the prime contractor for the Ariane launcher, develops the A400M military transport aircraft and is the largest industrial partner for the European satellite navigation system Galileo.

Source: European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS)
Pictures provided and copyrighted by EADS CASA
For further information about EADS, click here

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