Airbus delivered the first A400M airlifter with the long delayed 'tactical capability' to French Air Force on June 8. The aircraft...
Airbus delivered the first A400M airlifter with the long delayed 'tactical capability' to French Air Force on June 8.
The aircraft- MSN 33, features tactical capabilities including air drop of supplies, self protection systems and ability to refuel other aircraft and get refueled inflight.
The self protection system include defensive aids system and cockpit armour for improved survivability and crew protection.
The aircraft can now perform low level tactical missions with its damage tolerant flight controls, armored cockpit and bullet-resistant windscreens.
Besides its advanced self-protection a kit of defensive aids enable it to carry out missions in demanding hostile environments.
The Defensive Aids Subsystems (DASS) consist of different subsystems to act on a variety of threats:
1. The missile warning system (MWS)
2. The radar warning receiver (RWR)
3. Laser warning receiver (LWR)
4. Direct energy infra red counter measures
5. Towed Radar Decoy
French Defense Ministry expects to have six A400Ms with the tactical capability by the end of 2016. Two more aircraft will be delivered by the year end and three existing aircraft will be retrofitted to this standard.
The four engined A400M, produced by Airbus Defence and Space, is designed to carry up to 37 tonnes of equipment and carry out all transportation-related missions.
The MSN33 is the French Air Force' ninth aircraft of the eventual 50 aircraft fleet.
The A400M program has been plagued persistent problems with the latest being an issue with the aircraft' Europrop International TP400-D6 turboprop engine’s Avio-produced propellor gearbox (PGB), for which an interim fix has been developed.
The PGB issue had limited the aircraft’s operations by requiring inspections every 20 flight hours.
Production delays and capability shortfalls has forced many customers to demand compensation and acquire other military transport aircraft.
A fatal crash of a production aircraft destined for Turkey in May 2015, considerably delayed deliveries and prompted grounding of fleet. The cause was later found to be an in factory accidential wiping of a vital engine data on the aircraft's three engines, that prevented the FADEC engine control units from operating.
Airbus has now delivered 26 A400Ms and has booked order for a total 174 aircraft.
The aircraft- MSN 33, features tactical capabilities including air drop of supplies, self protection systems and ability to refuel other aircraft and get refueled inflight.
The self protection system include defensive aids system and cockpit armour for improved survivability and crew protection.
The aircraft can now perform low level tactical missions with its damage tolerant flight controls, armored cockpit and bullet-resistant windscreens.
Besides its advanced self-protection a kit of defensive aids enable it to carry out missions in demanding hostile environments.
The Defensive Aids Subsystems (DASS) consist of different subsystems to act on a variety of threats:
1. The missile warning system (MWS)
2. The radar warning receiver (RWR)
3. Laser warning receiver (LWR)
4. Direct energy infra red counter measures
5. Towed Radar Decoy
The four engined A400M, produced by Airbus Defence and Space, is designed to carry up to 37 tonnes of equipment and carry out all transportation-related missions.
The MSN33 is the French Air Force' ninth aircraft of the eventual 50 aircraft fleet.
The A400M program has been plagued persistent problems with the latest being an issue with the aircraft' Europrop International TP400-D6 turboprop engine’s Avio-produced propellor gearbox (PGB), for which an interim fix has been developed.
The PGB issue had limited the aircraft’s operations by requiring inspections every 20 flight hours.
Production delays and capability shortfalls has forced many customers to demand compensation and acquire other military transport aircraft.
A fatal crash of a production aircraft destined for Turkey in May 2015, considerably delayed deliveries and prompted grounding of fleet. The cause was later found to be an in factory accidential wiping of a vital engine data on the aircraft's three engines, that prevented the FADEC engine control units from operating.
Airbus has now delivered 26 A400Ms and has booked order for a total 174 aircraft.
