EADS North America had a high-profile participation at two major aerospace industry shows this week, emphasising its growing presence in the US defense, security and business aviation sectors.

The company took part in the Air Force Association''s (AFA''s) 2007 Air & Space conference and exhibition in Washington DC on 24 to 26 September, as well as the National Business Aviation Association''s (NBAA''s) 60th annual meeting and convention in Atlanta, Georgia, on 25 to 27 September.

The pavilion at the AFA exhibition highlights EADS''s ability to provide modern, capable in-flight refuelling and airlifters for the current and future operational needs of the United States, NATO nations and allied countries.

This includes the A330 multi-role tanker/transport (MRTT) version of the A330 jetliner, which already has been selected by Australia, the UK and the UAE, and is being offered in the KC-30 version by Northrop Grumman for the US Air Force''s recapitalisation of its aerial tanker fleet.

Also featured was the new-generation A400M airlifter, which is in production for nine NATO and international military forces. It is designed for strategic operations, tactical missions and in-theatre aerial refuelling, and has more than twice the payload and volume of the aging C-130 Hercules and C-160 transports it replaces. Nine countries have ordered a total of 192 A400Ms.

Among its weapons system was the Taurus air-to-surface standoff missile, currently in operation with NATO air forces. It has stealth characteristics and a range in excess of 350 km. It can attack hardened bunkers; command, control and communications infrastructure; airfield facilities; port facilities and bridges. Taurus also has self-defence countermeasures.

At the NBAA''s convention in Atlanta, EADS showcased corporate helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft. On 25 September, the company unveiled a new VIP helicopter concept based on its light twin-engined EC135 chopper.

A TBM 850 is on static display at Atlanta''s Fulton County Airport. The company''s TBM 850 very fast single-engine turboprop has logged record sales in the US since it was launched in December 2005. The TBM 850''s speed, efficiency, and low environmental signature are appreciated by its growing ranks of owner pilots.

Airbus'' growing role in US corporate and VIP aviation was also showcased by its A318 Elite corporate jetliner, the first of which came to Atlanta for display. Orders for the A318 Elite - the latest member of the Airbus corporate jetliner (ACJ) family - include six for the Minnesota-based Petters Group Worldwide. Existing ACJ operators include ADI and Pharmair.