U.S. Air Force photo

An E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System sits on the flightline at a forward-deployed location.

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 20, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-38s on a Taliban commander compound destroying the compound and killing the commanders inside. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the success of the mission.

In Bagram, a show of force was performed by an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle in order to deter enemy activities. The mission was declared successful by the JTAC.

An Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Bermel. The JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

In Kandahar, a French Mirage F-1 CR performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities. The success of the mission was confirmed by the JTAC.

In Musa Qal’eh, shows of force were performed by British GR-7 Harriers in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC declared the mission was successful.

In total, 43 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, Navy F/A-18C Hornets, F/A-18 Super Hornets, and a B-1B dropped GBU-31s and GBU-38s in order to destroy improvised explosive devices, house-borne IEDs and an enemy weapons cache. The JTAC declared the missions were successful.

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon and British Tornado GR-4s performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Basrah. The JTAC confirmed the missions were successful.

In North Babil, a show of force was performed by a GR-4 in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC declared the mission successful.

In Mosul, an F-16 dropped a GBU-38 in order to destroy two IED emplacers. The mission was reported successful by the JTAC.

In Balad, a show of force was performed by an F-16 in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC confirmed the success of the mission.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 63 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, seven Navy, RAF, and Royal Australian Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 151 airlift sorties were flown; 383 tons of cargo were delivered, and 4,328 passengers were transported. This included approximately 48,330 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq, and Korea flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Jan. 19, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 263 receiving aircraft.

U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Matthew Hannen

F-16 Fighting Falcons wait on the "hot ramp" at a forward-deployed location while maintenance crews ready the weapons for a night mission. The F-16s are from the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., and they are flying Operation Iraqi Freedom missions for the 363rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron.

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 21, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force B-1B Lancers dropped guided bomb unit-38s on an enemy compound near Deh Rawod, successfully destroying the target.

In Asadabad, shows of force were performed by Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles in order to deter enemy activities in the area. The shows of force were declared successful by the on-scene joint terminal attack controller.

Shows of force were conducted in Orgune by both an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II and an F-15E. The shows of force were conducted to deter enemy activities in the area. Both missions were reported as successful by the JTAC.

A French Air Force Mirage-2000 performed a show of force over a coalition forces convoy in the vicinity of Musa Qala. The JTAC confirmed the mission a success.

An A-10 conducted a show of force over enemy positions near Bagram to deter enemy activities in the area. The mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

In Now Zad, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier performed a show of force to demonstrate air power was in the area. The JTAC reported the mission was a success.

An F-15E conducted a show of force near Uruzgan to deter enemy activities. The mission was confirmed as successful by the JTAC.

In total, 41 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped a GBU-38 in order to destroy house-borne improvised explosive devices in Baqubah. The JTAC declared the mission as a success.

In Baghdad, Navy F-18 Hornets, an F-18 Hornet, and an F-18 Super Hornet dropped a GBU-12 and GBU-38s in order to destroy enemy structures and combatants. The missions were confirmed successful by the JTAC.

In order to deter enemy activities in Baghdad, Navy F-18 Super Hornets performed shows of force. The JTAC reported the missions were successful.

In Basrah, shows of force were performed by F-18s in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC declared the missions were successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 60 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-one Air Force and Navy intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown; 521 tons of cargo were delivered, and 3,070 passengers were transported. This included approximately 24,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Iraq, and Japan flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Jan. 20, Air Force, French, and RAF tanker crews flew 45 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3 million pounds of fuel to 270 receiving aircraft.

U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jonathan Snyder

Royal Air Force officer Maj. Kevin Gambold monitors and pilots an MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle following a mission Jan. 10 at Ali Base, Iraq. Major Gambold, who is part of a military personnel exchange program and is assigned to the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron, Creech Air Force Base, Nev., is currently deployed to the 361st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron at Ali Base as the squadron commander.

ALI BASE, Iraq (AFPN) -- Taking center stage in helping win the war on terrorism in Iraq are unmanned aerial vehicles such as the MQ-1 Predator.

Although the plane is small compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon, it packs a punch with its vigilant purpose and silent victories.

Since October 2007, the 361st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron’s two-man crews have successfully flown more than 300 sorties, helping to put a foothold on terrorist activities in Iraq.

"We have made some close liaisons with the Army here on base and have helped them in a few very successful operations recently," said Maj. Keven Gambold, 361st ERS commander and Royal Air Force exchange officer deployed from the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron, Creech Air Force Base, Nev.

The Predator cockpit never leaves the ground but has many of the same features as an airborne one. The cockpit is called a ground control station and houses the pilots, sensor operators and equipment necessary to control the aircraft remotely.

The remotely piloted Predator can cruise between 80 and 100 mph, the medium-altitude, long-endurance plane can hover for nearly a day collecting data.

The 361st ERS is looked at as the launch and recovery crew, but they also accomplish base-defense missions by looking for indirect fire and conducting convoy overwatch.

"After take-off we check out the laser and other aircraft systems then coordinate with the U.S. chaps (Airmen at Creech AFB) to ’grab’ the plane from us when it’s at the right height and going the right way for them," said Major Gambold.

"In order for the Air Force to have the capability to remotely fly aircraft from the other side of the planet, first they need to have them safely in the air, which is our primary mission here," said Staff Sgt. Lance Nettrouer, 361st ERS sensor operator.

"But we also provide short notice, time sensitive ISR and strike capability to our counterparts," said Sergeant Nettrouer who is also deployed from the 15th RS.

The Predator provides live video, still photographs, and radar imagery in all weather conditions, day or night. Using satellite data links, the information gathered by a Predator can be shared instantaneously with commanders around the world. The aircraft can also employ two laser-guided Hellfire anti-tank missiles.

U.S. Air Force photo

A maintainer marshals a returning Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle at a base in Southwest Asia. Strike Eagles were part of close-air-support missions flown for Operation Enduring Freedom.

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer destroyed enemy observation points by dropping guided bomb unit-38s in Qualat. The missions were declared successful by the on-scene Joint Terminal Attack Controller.

In Deh Rawod, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities, and dropped GBU-38s in order to destroy enemy compounds housing weapons. The JTAC confirmed the missions were successful.

An enemy compound was destroyed in Garmser by British GR-7 Harriers using enhanced paveway II munitions. The JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

In Musa Qal’eh, a show of force was performed by a French Mirage 2000 in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

In order to deter enemy activities in Sangin, a show of force was performed by an F-15. The success of the mission was confirmed by the JTAC.

In Orgune, F-15s performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. The missions were reported successful by the JTAC.

In total, 41 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons conducted shows of force over a coalition forces convoy and in order to deter enemy activities in the areas of Safwan and Al Kut. The JTAC declared the missions as successful.

Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets performed shows of force near Basrah to deter enemy activities in the area. The missions were reported as successful by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 61 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-three Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 145 airlift sorties were flown; 558 tons of cargo were delivered, and 3,184 passengers were transported. This included approximately 15,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Japan, and Korea flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Jan. 21, Air Force, French, and RAF tanker crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 252 receiving aircraft.

U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Scottie McCord

Royal Air Force Wing Commander Andy Jeffery hands off the flag during an activation ceremony of the 39th United Kingdom Reaper Squadron to Flight Lt. Bert Weedon Jan. 23 at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. RAF officials activated an unmanned aerial vehicle squadron during the ceremony.

CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFPN) -- Royal Air Force officials activated an unmanned aerial vehicle squadron Jan. 23 in the Reaper Hangar at Creech Air Force Base.

Number 39th Squadron is the RAF’s first unmanned aerial vehicle squadron, although RAF has been operating UAVs at Creech AFB since 2004 as part of the Joint Predator Task Force.

Air Marshal Iain McNicholl, the RAF Operations Air Command deputy commander in chief, presided over the unveiling ceremony and RAF chaplain Pardre Lee blessed the new squadron.

The 39th Squadron’s mission is to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance as well as offensive support to operational theaters, said Squadron Leader Nigel Meadows, the unit commander.

Prior to the squadron’s activation, members of the RAF were completely embedded into 432nd Wing operations in all aspects of combat, training, maintenance and mission support activities. They have also assisted in standing up the MQ-9 Reaper training at the 42nd Attack Squadron since early 2007.

"We are very happy about the support we have received from the 432nd Wing at Creech," Squadron Leader Meadows said. "The camaraderie in the squadrons that we operate with and within is immense."

U.S. Air Force photo/Capt Jason L. McCree

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Weeks, 386th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, marshals an E-C130H Compass Call on the flightline. The E-C130H Compass Call system employs offensive counter-information and electronic attack capabilities which integrate and synchronize U.S. and coalition tactical air, surface, and special operations forces.

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 24, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped guided bomb unit-31s and guided bomb unit-38s onto an enemy compound. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the mission a success.

In Bagram, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds onto enemy combatant positions which were marked with smoke by coalition forces. The missions were declared successful by the JTAC.

In Kandahar, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in the area. The JTAC reported the mission as a success.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force near Orgune in order to deter enemy activities in the area. The mission was confirmed a success by the JTAC.

In total, 40 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, a Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet dropped a GBU-38 onto a house-borne improvised explosive device near Baqubah. The JTAC reported the mission as successful.

A Navy F/A-18 Hornet successfully destroyed a weapons cache in the vicinity of Baghdad by dropping a GBU-38 on the target.

In Baqubah, a Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet conducted a show of force to deter enemy activities in the area. The mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 52 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized with coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-two Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 134 airlift sorties were flown; 362 tons of cargo were delivered, and 2,486 passengers were transported. This included approximately 28,480 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Iraq, Japan, and Korea flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Jan. 22, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 36 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2 million pounds of fuel to 139 receiving aircraft.

U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Matt Cook

An F-15E Strike Eagle moves up to the refueling boom below a KC-10 Extender during an Operation Enduring Freedom mission.

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 25, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles eliminated enemy combatants using guided bomb unit-38s near Bari Kowt. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the missions were successful.

In Garmsir, a French Mirage-2000 eliminated enemy combatants using a GBU-12. The success of the mission was confirmed by the JTAC.

In Sangin and Musah Qal’eh, a M2K/F1 and an F-15 performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC reported that the missions were successful.

In order to deter enemy activities in Uruzgan, an F-15 performed a show of force. The JTAC declared that the mission was successful.

A show of force was performed in Bermal by an F-15 in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC confirmed that the mission was successful.

In total, 46 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seven Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 58 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized Coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-three Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown, 203 tons of cargo were delivered, and 3,642 passengers were transported. This included approximately 58,600 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Japan flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Jan. 24, U.S. Air Force and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 231 receiving aircraft.

U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. John Nimmo Sr

Jan. 13 airpower summary: C-17s on the move A C-17 Globemaster III taxies to the ramp at Balad Air Base, Iraq. The aircraft can perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions and can also transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations when required.

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 26, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles fired cannon rounds and dropped guided bomb unit-38s onto enemy combatant positions and an enemy complex. Furthermore, an F-15E conducted shows of force over the same positions in order to deter enemy activities in that area. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the missions a success.

In Kandahar, a French Mirage-2000 dropped a GBU-12 onto an enemy position where improvised explosive device emplacers were located. The mission was reported as successful by the JTAC.

In Bari Kowt, F-15Es dropped a GBU-12 onto an enemy combatant position and performed shows of force to deter enemy activities in that location. The JTAC confirmed the missions as successful.

An F-15E conducted a show of force in the vicinity of Deh Rawod in order to deter enemy activities in that area. The mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

In total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet performed a show of force in the vicinity of Mosul in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC reported the mission a success.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 39 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Eleven Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, eight Air Force, Navy, and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

U.S. C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 136 airlift sorties were flown, 480 tons of cargo were delivered, and 2,685 passengers were transported. This included approximately 73,920 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia and Iraq flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Jan. 25, Air Force and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 44 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.8 million pounds of fuel to 239 receiving aircraft.

U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Christina D. Ponte

Three A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fly in formation. A-10s provided close-air-support near Balad, Iraq.

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities in Baghran. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the success of the mission.

In Deh Rawod, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

In Kandahar, shows of force were performed by British GR-7 Harriers and an A-10 Thunderbolt II in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

In total, 39 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Seven Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and a B-1B Lancer dropped ground bomb unit-31s and 38s in order to destroy a road used by enemy coalition. The missions were confirmed successful by the JTAC.

In order to destroy a house-borne improvised explosive device an F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped a GBU-38 in Baqubah. In addition, an F-16 also performed a show of force in order to deter enemy activities. The JTAC declared that the missions were successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 37 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-five Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, five Air Force and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemater IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 110 airlift sorties were flown; 345 tons of cargo were delivered, and 3,619 passengers were transported. This included approximately 30,290 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq, and Korea flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Jan. 26, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 42 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 208 receiving aircraft.

© EADS

Flight-testing of the A330 MRTT

Flight-testing of the A330 MRTT, the first production aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), has continued at a fast pace and initial handling and performance evaluation are as predicted.

All aerodynamic tests for the A330 MRTT have been completed successfully, as well as testing of handling quality, performance, loads, autopilot and anemometry. An important feature of the process included flutter testing and the flight envelope has been successfully cleared.

In the next few days, the Civil Certification flight tests with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are scheduled to be performed.

As part of the tests hose stability data gathering has been completed and pre-contact position trials conducted with an F-18 fighter aircraft.

"We are on track and proud of the results we are getting, right in line with our expectations. We are becoming a reference in the air-to-air refuelling technology and systems with the market’s acknowledgement", said Carlos Suarez, Head of EADS Military Transport Aircraft Division and Chairman of EADS CASA.

The government of Saudi Arabia has recently signed a contract for three (3) A330 MRTTs to upgrade their AAR fleet. It has also been selected by the UAE and the UK. The KC-30 that has been proposed to the USAF by Northrop Grumman as a replacement for the KC-135 is based on the A330 MRTT.

In the meantime the EADS A310 Boom Demonstrator aircraft has been conducting proximity tests with the A330 MRTT to collect data relevant to large aircraft refuelling. The next step will be for the A310 to perform more dry contacts with an F-16 and/or a NATO AWACS E-3A as a receiver.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2006, EADS generated revenues of € 39.4 billion and employed a workforce of about 116,000. The Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world’s largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programmes from Ariane to Galileo. Its Defence & Security Division is a provider of comprehensive systems solutions and makes EADS the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium as well as a stakeholder in the missile systems provider MBDA. EADS also develops the A400M through its Military Transport Aircraft Division.