Smiths Aerospace looks to cash in on Boeing air tanker

Smiths Aerospace says it is looking at an opportunity to generate $1 billion from the production of integrated aerial refuelling and mission control systems for the Boeing 767 Tanker Transport, for which it has already begun full scale development.

Deliveries begin in 2005 for aircraft destined for Italy and Japan. Boeing is currently in negotiation with the US Air Force for the leas of 100 aircraft to replace ageing tanker aircraft. Boeing is also part of a consortium bidding to provide the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft for the Royal Air Force. Smiths sees a global market of at least 500 tanker aircraft to be built over the next 39 years

Boeing chose Smiths for the mission control system in June 2001 and again in March this year to supply the hose and drogue refuelling system. The mission control system is a derivative of Smiths' flight management system in service on Boeing 737 aircraft. The refuelling system interfaces with the mission control system, providing an integrated solution.

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