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Airbus A400M Atlas

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File:A400m airport.jpg
Artist's impression of the A400M
Airbus A400M Quick Facts
Role: Long-range military transport
Freight Capacity: 37,000 kg (82,000 lb)
Maximum takeoff: 130,000 kg (287,000 lb)
Length: 43.8 m (143 ft 8 in)
Wingspan: 42.4 m (139 ft 1 in)
Maximum speed: 780 km/h (421 kt)
Range at Max. Payload: 3,300 km (1,800 nm)
Service ceiling: 11,300 m (37,000 ft)

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 rectent 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the C-130J, are negligible, and the improvements are more important for nations who haven't upgraded from the earlier outdated versions of the Hercules.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 refueling 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.[1]

On December 8, 2005 the Royal Malaysian Air Force ordered four A400M, to replace its ageing fleet of C-130.

Canada is also a potential customer. The Department of National Defence announed in late 2005 that 13 of their 19 old CC-130E were to be replaced by 16 new tactical airlifters. Lockheed C-130J and Boeing IDS C-17 are also considered.

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.[2],[3]

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

General Characteristics

  • Crew: 3-4 (2 pilots, 3rd optional, 1 loadmaster)
  • Capacity: see Weights
  • Overall Length: 43.8 m (143 ft 8 in)
  • Wing Span: 42.4 m (139 ft 1 in)
  • Overall Height: 14.6 m (47 ft 11 in)

Weights

  • Operating Weight Empty: 70 tonnes (154 000 lb)
  • Max. Take-off Weight: 130 tonnes (287 000 lb)
  • Max. Landing Weight: 114 tonnes
  • Max. Payload: 37 tonnes (82 000 lb)
  • Total Internal Fuel: 46.7 tonnes
  • Passengers: 116 fully equipped troops / paratroops
  • Medical evacuation: up to 66 stretchers accompanied by 25 medical personnel

Performance

  • Cruise Speed: Mach 0.68 - 0.72
  • Max. Operating Speed: 300 kt CAS (560 km/h, 350 mph)
  • Initial Cruise Altitude: at MTOW: 29 000 ft
  • Service Ceiling: 37 000 ft (11 300 m)
  • Max. Operating Alt - Special ops: 40 000 ft
  • Range at Max. Payload: 1 800 nm (3 300 km, 2 000 miles) (long range cruise speed; reserves as per MIL-C-5011A)
  • Range at 30-tonne Payload: 2 600 nm (4 800 km, 3 000 miles) (see above)
  • Range at 20-tonne Payload: 3 750 nm (6 950 km)(see above)
  • Ferry Range: 5000 nm
  • Tactical Takeoff Distance: 940 m (3 080 ft) (aircraft weight 100 tonnes, soft field, ISA, sea level)
  • Tactical Landing Distance: 625 m (2 050 ft) (see above)

Powerplant

  • 4 x EPI (EuroProp International) TP400-D6, 8,250 kW power[4]
  • Digital Engine Control
  • Propellers:
    • 5.33 m (17.5 ft) diameter 8-bladed composite Ratier-Figeac FH386 propellers
    • variable pitch and fully reversing

Miscellaneous

  • Turning Radius (Ground): 28.6 m
  • Acquisition Cost: approx. 100 million euros

Related content

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Airbus A400M.

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

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