Message #5 From:
Stock News Bot Date: September 26, 2006 11:08:00 AM
BA News Smiths Provides Boom Control System for Boeing 767 Tanker Flight Tests
WHIPPANY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Smiths Aerospace (LSE:SMIN) played a key role in supplying the aerial
refueling boom control actuation system for Boeing’s
(NYSE:BA) fifth-generation KC-767 Tanker boom flight-test on September
21. This event began a new chapter in aerial-refueling history by
flight-testing the KC-767 Tanker boom for the first time.
“The design of the KC-767 boom actuation
control system substantially enhances reliability,”
commented Dave Bina, vice president, KC-767 Tanker Programs at Smiths
Aerospace. “This integrated system contains
the hardware and software necessary for motion 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 team
deployed the fly-by-wire boom (a telescoping tube used to deliver fuel
to military aircraft) to several vertical and horizontal positions
during flight and successfully demonstrated integration between the
aircrew operator and the world’s most advanced
refueling system.
“We’ve taken the
proven aerodynamic shape and size of previous systems and made the
KC-767 boom even more capable and reliable,”
said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president for Tanker Programs. “The
fly-by-wire system provides more precise and responsive controls to the
operator, automatically corrects its position to reduce potential damage
to the receiver aircraft and is easier to maintain.”
The evolutionary design also features a full-time Independent Disconnect
System that improves safety dramatically by allowing the boom operator
to disconnect from the receiver aircraft at any time. The boom actuation
control system controls the operation and movement of the air-refueling
boom, a critical component of the tanker.
Boom testing will run for several weeks and is the first in a series of
extensive air-refueling tests that will be conducted in upcoming months.
As of September 21, the KC-767 Tanker has logged more than 129 flights
and about 380 hours.
Boeing is building tankers for Italy and Japan, with delivery to the
Japan Air Self-Defense Force in February 2007, followed by delivery to
Italy in mid-2007. In addition to flight-testing the KC-767 for
international customers, Boeing is competing for a contract to build the
U.S. Air Force’s next-generation tanker
aircraft.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated
Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense
businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense
Systems is a $30.8 billion business. It provides network-centric system
solutions to its global military, government, and commercial customers.
It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft
manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer; a foremost
developer of advanced concepts and technologies; a leading provider of
space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S.
missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in
sustainment solutions and launch services.
Smiths Aerospace, a part of Smiths, is a leading transatlantic aerospace
systems and equipment company, with more than 11,000 employees and $2
billion revenues globally. The company holds key positions in the supply
chains of all major military and civil aircraft and engine manufacturers
and is a world-leader in digital, electrical power, mechanical systems,
engine components and customer services. www.smiths-aerospace.com
