26th Sep 2006 19:08
Smiths Aerospace (LSE:SMIN) played a key role in supplying theaerial refueling boom control actuation system for Boeing's (NYSE:BA)fifth-generation KC-767 Tanker boom flight-test on September 21. Thisevent began a new chapter in aerial-refueling history byflight-testing the KC-767 Tanker boom for the first time. £ "The design of the KC-767 boom actuation control systemsubstantially enhances reliability," commented Dave Bina, vicepresident, KC-767 Tanker Programs at Smiths Aerospace. "Thisintegrated system contains the hardware and software necessary formotion control of the boom throughout the full operational envelope,providing greater value for our customers." £ During a complex series of tests in Wichita, Kan., the test teamdeployed the fly-by-wire boom (a telescoping tube used to deliver fuelto military aircraft) to several vertical and horizontal positionsduring flight and successfully demonstrated integration between theaircrew operator and the world's most advanced refueling system. £ "We've taken the proven aerodynamic shape and size of previoussystems and made the KC-767 boom even more capable and reliable," saidMark McGraw, Boeing vice president for Tanker Programs. "Thefly-by-wire system provides more precise and responsive controls tothe operator, automatically corrects its position to reduce potentialdamage to the receiver aircraft and is easier to maintain." £ The evolutionary design also features a full-time IndependentDisconnect System that improves safety dramatically by allowing theboom operator to disconnect from the receiver aircraft at any time.The boom actuation control system controls the operation and movementof the air-refueling boom, a critical component of the tanker. £ Boom testing will run for several weeks and is the first in aseries of extensive air-refueling tests that will be conducted inupcoming months. As of September 21, the KC-767 Tanker has logged morethan 129 flights and about 380 hours. £ Boeing is building tankers for Italy and Japan, with delivery tothe Japan Air Self-Defense Force in February 2007, followed bydelivery to Italy in mid-2007. In addition to flight-testing theKC-767 for international customers, Boeing is competing for a contractto build the U.S. Air Force's next-generation tanker aircraft. £ A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems isone of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquarteredin St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.8 billionbusiness. It provides network-centric system solutions to its globalmilitary, government, and commercial customers. It is a leadingprovider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; theworld's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largestsatellite manufacturer; a foremost developer of advanced concepts andtechnologies; a leading provider of space-based communications; theprimary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largestcontractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launchservices. £ Smiths Aerospace, a part of Smiths, is a leading transatlanticaerospace systems and equipment company, with more than 11,000employees and $2 billion revenues globally. The company holds keypositions in the supply chains of all major military and civilaircraft and engine manufacturers and is a world-leader in digital,electrical power, mechanical systems, engine components and customerservices. www.smiths-aerospace.com Copyright Business Wire 2006Related Shares:
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