With
the signature on 28th May, 2003 of the contract for 180 A400M
aircraft, Airbus commits itself heavily with military transport
aircraft.
« This situation is very similar to that of the commercial
aircraft some 30 years ago when Airbus identified a niche
in the market said Richard Thomson, commercial director for
Airbus Military during the press conference held at the Paris
air show last June 18. Again we identified a niche in the
military market and we want to expand it and settle in the
market ».
A capacity gap exists between the tactical
aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules or the C-160 Transall
and the much bigger and expensive strategic aircraft such
as the C-17. On the other hand many of the tactical aircraft
available today are old and will need to be replaced soon.
According to Airbus Military, the A400M will fit perfectly
in this picture.
« The A400M will be a perfect compromise
between tactical and strategic requirements adds Richard Thomson.
The combination of state-of-the art aerodynamic design and
powerful new tuirboprop engines will enable the A400M to reach
cruise speeds up to 420 kts ».
With a maximum payload of 37 tonnes, the A400M can carry armoured
fighting vehicles, combat helicopters and other heavy and
bulky military equipments. With a payload of 30 tonnes, the
aircraft has an operating range of 4,540 kilometers. Turboprops
and a strong landing gear similar to that of the C-160 Transall
will give it an optimum combination of take off and landing
performances and operation on unprepared surfaces.
The engine chosen for the A400M, the TP400-D6, will be supplied
by the european consortium EuroProp International (EPI) in
which Snecma Moteurs owns a 28% participation.
 The
A400M will also have a tanker role for air to air refuelling.
It will take no longer than two hours to install air to air
refuelling pods, effectively turning the A400M from a purely
transport aircraft to an aerial tanker. All the aircraft will
be manufactured with « wet points » in the wings
where the refuelling pod will be installed. An optional centerline
refuelling point fitted in the lower part of the fuselage
will be available to refuel large aircraft.
Acting on behalf of the seven customer nations,
the OCCAR (Organisation conjointe de coopération en
matière d’armement ; European defense procurement
agency) contracted Airbus to build 180 aircraft. But Airbus
made it clear that its aim is to double that figure by exporting
at least 200 more aircraft in other countries. A strong potential
market of 470 aircraft has been identified in 56 countries,
either to answer emerging needs or replace ageing aircraft.
Among these countries are Scandinavian nations, Australia
or Canada.
« If we sell 200 export aircraft within 20 years we
will be happy » said David Jennings, head of Airbus
Military marketing department, during the press conference.
Before reaching this milestone, Airbus still
has to make the A400M fly. Not an easy task due to the tight
schedule. First flight is scheduled for early 2008, 77 months
after the contract was signed.
Delivery of the first aircraft will take place with the French
air force in 2009. France has ordered 50 aircraft. This will
be closely followed by the first aircraft to Turkey (10 ordered).
Germany and United Kingdom (respectively 25 and 60 aircraft
ordered) will be next to take delivery in 2010, followed by
Spain (27 aircraft). Last to take delivery in 2017 will be
the Belgian air force (6 aircraft), who will also operate
the two aircraft ordered by Luxembourg. At this stage, and
if everything goes well for Airbus Military, export aircraft
should fill the slots available on the assembly line…
|
|
