Recent Developments
Successful Launch of Rosetta Cometary Probe
March 2, 2004 marked the successful launch of a European
Ariane 5 carrying the Rosetta cometary probe, built under the
overall management of EADS Astrium. The Rosetta probe is a
ten-year, five billion kilometre journey to the comet Churymov
Gerasimenko. To escape the gravitational forces of Earth, the
Rosetta probe was accelerated to a velocity of 40,000 kilometres
per hour by the Ariane 5 upper stage, which was modified and
re-qualified by EADS Space Transportation for this demanding
mission. EADS Astrium was the industrial prime contractor for
this European Space Agency project, which mobilised EADS
teams and expertise across Europe.
EADS CASA Signs Contract to Supply Maritime Patrol
Aircraft to U.S. Coastguard
On February 18, 2004 EADS and Lockheed Martin signed a
U.S.$ 87.4 million contract formalising EADS’ participation in
the U.S. Coastguard’s Integrated Deepwater Systems
(“Deepwater”) program. The initial contract is for the
procurement of two CN-235 medium-range surveillance
maritime patrol aircraft, and includes options for spare parts,
servicing and six additional aircraft. The potential value of the
contract, with all options exercised, is approximately U.S.$ 300
million.
The choice of the CN-235 by the U.S. Coastguard is viewed as a validation of the capability, flexibility and value of the aircraft as a surveillance platform, and as an example of the benefits of trans- Atlantic cooperation, whereby EADS brings its global capabilities together to provide valued products to U.S. government customers.
EADS Selected to Propose Air Refueling Service to the
U.K. MoD
On January 26th, AirTanker was selected to negotiate exclusively
the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme,
supplying A330-200 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport
Aircraft) to the U.K. Royal Air Force. AirTanker is set to become
the industrial partner for the £13 billion U.K. MoD air-to-air
refueling programme, covering a 27 year service period. With a
40 percent share, EADS is the largest partner in AirTanker and
responsible for the full integration of the aircraft.
