Tanker MoU tops up EADS
Günter Endres
The memorandum of understanding between the government and EADS for three Airbus A330 MRTT multirole tanker/transports for the UAE Armed Forces, announced on Monday, appears to have settled one of the most hotly contested military procurements in the region.
For EADS – which has been wracked by management upheavals, the end of financial participation by the UK in Airbus, delays to the double-deck A380, and uncertainty over its future strategy – this announcement could not have come at a better time.
EADS had already been boosted by the French government’s announcement a few days before the show that Saudi Arabia had
decided to order an unspecified number of A330 MRTTs to replace its KC-135 tankers. The MoU is not viewed as the end of the road for Boeing’s KC-767. Negotiations between now and the contract signature are likely to be protracted, and until the deal with EADS is finally inked in, nothing can be taken for granted.
Neither competitor has made any official comment, but EADS, understandably, could not quite conceal its delight and told the IDEX Show Daily: “EADS welcomes the decision by the UAE customer, which is confirmation of the leadership position of our air tanker solution.” The A330 MRTT is based on the successful twin-aisle commercial aircraft and has a fuel capacity of 111 tonnes – more than one-third greater than the KC-135. It is said to maintain its structural integrity with minimum modifications and offers a flexible choice of air-to-air refuelling systems, including wing pods, an advanced boom system and a fuselage refuelling unit. In transport configuration, it can carry up to 380 troops.
EADS CASA started construction last June for the Royal Australian Air Force, which has ordered five aircraft; the type has also been selected by the UK for the Royal Air Force. EADS is also competing against the KC-767 for the huge requirement by the US Air Force.
A long and difficult road still lies ahead for EADS, but for now, Europe’s troubled giant has reason to celebrate.
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