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…