Building on Experience
The KC-30 Tanker is the result of years of operational experience in tanker, transport and special mission aircraft, combined with the best in advanced commercial aircraft technology proven during millions of flight hours.
KC-30 industrial team leader Northrop Grumman is a recognized leader in converting commercial aircraft for military missions, developing advanced aircraft technology, and integrating large complex systems.
Its demonstrated track record includes the prime contractor for the B-2 stealth bomber; the E-8C Joint STARS airborne battle management, command & control, and surveillance platform; and the E-10A multi-sensor command and control aircraft. The company was a pioneer for the U.S. Air Force on ROBE (Roll-on Beyond Line-of-sight Enhancement) and SMART (Scalable, Multifunction, Automated Relay Terminals) tankers.
The A310 MRTT - which has the same optimized fuselage cross-section as the KC-30 - is the world's first next-generation tanker aircraft. Deliveries of A310 MRTTs began in 2004 to the German Air Force and the Canadian Defence Forces.
The KC-30 family of tankers has been recognized as an optimal solution for meeting next-generation military tanker requirements. The British government has selected the AirTanker Consortium and its A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) as the preferred bidder for its Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft requirement. The A330 MRTT also was chosen as the Royal Australian Air Force's next-generation multi-role tanker/transport.
