First A330 MRTT Phénix for France makes
maiden flight
A
irbus Defence and Space successfully completed the maiden flight of the first A330 MRTT Multi Role Tanker Transport
for France. The aircraft, which will be known in French service as Phénix, is the first of nine ordered by the French
Defence Procurement Agency DGA, plus another three expected to be confirmed.
It is the second new standard A330 MRTT to fly, featuring structural modifications, aerodynamic improvements giving a
fuel-burn reduction of up to 1%, upgraded avionics computers and enhanced military systems. The aircraft was converted in
Getafe from a standard A330 assembled in Toulouse. The crew reported that the aircraft performed in line with expectations
during the 3h 25min flight.
The Phénix fleet will be equipped with a combination of the Airbus Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) and underwing
hose-and-drogue refueling pods, and can carry 272 passengers or be configured for medical evacuation. First delivery is due
in 2018. Fifty-one A330 MRTTs have been ordered by eight nations of which 28 have been delivered.Boeing wins $600M Air Force One bid
W
hen President Donald Trump took office, he made it clear that he wanted to cut costs for the next generation of Air
Force One, the primary presidential aircraft.
Boeing announced recently that it has been awarded an almost $600 million contract for the preliminary design of the
next Air Force One. The contract stipulates that the aerospace giant will create design that incorporates a mission control
system, medical facility, electrical power upgrades, self-defense system, and autonomous ground operations capabilities into
two already-built commercial 747-8 planes. It's a "great step forward on the next Air Force One," Boeing said in a statement.
The new models will replace the VC-25A models currently in use. Those aircraft have been in service since 1990, during the
administration of President George H.W. Bush. The 747-8 promises 16 tons less carbon emissions per trip over the 727-200 and
has an extended range that allows trips from Washington to Hong Kong—7,730 nautical miles—without a layover. It's also the
fastest commercial jet in the world with speeds of 0.855 Mach.
In January Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenberg said the company was making "great progress on simplifying requirements for
Air Force One" in the wake of Trump's cost complaints. The President—who arrived in office already a Boeing customer, having
acquired a 1991 757-200 as a citizen and remodeled it to include a dining room, televisions, master and guest bedrooms, and
a shower—originally called its costs "out of control."DEFENCE & MILITARY
20 OCTOBER^2017 AVIATION UPDATE