Airbus A400M
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The Airbus A400M is a four-engine turboprop aircraft, designed by Airbus Military to meet the demand of European nations for military airlift. Since its formal launch the aircraft has also been ordered by South Africa, Chile and Malaysia.
Background
The project began as the Future International Military Airlifter (FIMA) group, set up in 1982 by Aerospatiale, British Aerospace, Lockheed and MBB to develop a replacement for the C-130 Hercules and C-160 Transall. Varying requirements and the complications of international politics caused slow progress. In 1989 Lockheed left the grouping and went on to develop a second generation Hercules, the C-130J. With the addition of Alenia and CASA the FIMA group became Euroflag.The partner nations, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Belgium and Luxembourg, signed an agreement in May 2003 to buy 212 aircraft.
Following the withdrawal of Italy and revision of procurement totals the revised requirement was for 180 aircraft, with first flight in 2008 and first delivery in 2009. On 28 April 2005, South Africa joined the partnership programme.
The Airbus A400M will increase the airlift capacity and range compared to the aircraft it was originally set to replace, the older versions of the Hercules and Transall, however it is important to note that the difference in technological advancements between the A400M and the most recent Hercules, the C-130J, are negligible, and the improvements are more important for nations who haven't upgraded from the earlier outdated versions of the Hercules. Cargo capacity is expected to double over existing aircraft, both in payload and volume, and range is increased substantially as well. Just as Airbus' other aircraft, the A400M will have a full glass cockpit (all information accessed through large colour screens) and fly-by-wire and as such will represent a technological leap compared to the older C-130s and C-160s that many countries now operate.
The Airbus A400M will operate in many configurations including cargo transport, troop transport, MEDEVAC, aerial refuelling and electronic surveillance.
The selection of EuroProp's engines represented a contentious issue; until the 11th hour, Pratt & Whitney Canada had been perceived as the winning engine manufacturer on technical and cost merit. However, intense last-minute pressure from European governments and industry altered Airbus' stance and forced them to go with EuroProp's proposal.
History
The political and financial delays with the A400M caused the Royal Air Force to start the Short Term Strategic Aircraft (STSA) programme which selected the C-17 as an interim measure to provide strategic airlift until the A400M entered service. Experience with the C-17 since it entered service led to the RAF extending the original lease. On July 21, 2004 Geoff Hoon announced that the RAF would buy their four C-17s at the end of the lease, even though the A400M is moving towards production. They also placed a follow-on order for one C-17.On December 9, 2004, the South African Air Force announced it was to purchase 8 A400Ms and had options on 6 more, with South Africa therefore joining the Airbus Military team as an industrial partner. Deliveries are expected from 2010 till 2014.
On July 18, 2005, the Chilean Air Force signed a MOU for 3 aircraft to be delivered between 2018 and 2022.[Airbus Military signs agreement with Chile] Airbus Military Website
On December 8, 2005 the Royal Malaysian Air Force ordered four A400M, to replace its ageing fleet of C-130.
Canada issued a tender on July 5, 2006 for 17 new tactical airlifters to replace their old CC-130E and H models [Airlift Capability Project - Tactical] MERX website - Government of Canada. The A400M would be competing for the order with the Lockheed C-130J. Airbus A400Ms would serve as the Canadian Force's mid-range transports, while the government has issues a seperate notice of intent to purchase 4 Boeing C-17s as long-range transports.
The A400M will start to be assembled in the Seville plant of EADS Spain (part of Airbus Military) in October 2006, manufacturing three aircraft per month. The first test flight will be in 2007.[Seville, A400M Assembly and Delivery Centre] EADS,[invierte 22 millones y cede 130.000 m2 a EADS-CASA para posibilitar el desarrollo del A-400M]Andalucia24Horas
Orders
| Date | Country | EIS | Orders |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2003 |
Germany | 2010 | 60 |
| May 27, 2003 |
France | 2009 | 50 |
| May 27, 2003 |
Spain | 2011 | 27 |
| May 27, 2003 |
UK | 2010 | 25 |
| May 27, 2003 |
Turkey | 2009 | 10 |
| May 27, 2003
|
Belgium | 2018 | 7 |
| May 27, 2003 |
Luxembourg | 2017 | 1 |
| December 15, 2004 |
South Africa | 2010 | 8 |
| July 15, 2005 |
Chile | 2018 | 3 |
| December 8, 2005 |
Malaysia | 2013 | 4 |
| Total: | 195 |
Specifications(Airbus A400M)
References
External links
- [Airbus Military]
- *[A400M Countdown]
- [A400M history, photo gallery and technical details (EADS-CASA website)]
- [MachineDesign article on A400M]
Related content
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| A300 | A310 | A318, A319, A320, A321 | A330 | A340 | A350 | A380 | A400M | Beluga |
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