Airbus has revealed plans to offer military derivatives of its popular Airbus A320neo single aisle passenger jet platform at the Singa...
Airbus has revealed plans to offer military derivatives of its popular Airbus A320neo single aisle passenger jet platform at the Singapore Airshow.
The company proposes the aircraft for VIP transport and mission roles like Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), airborne early warning (AEW) and Maritime patrol.
Airbus also presented an A320neo Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) version equipped with four wing pylon weapons stations and large mission displays.
The entry will challenge rival Boeing 737 NG's monopoly in the segment, which have been modified in to the P-8 Poseidon MPA and 737 AEW&C aircraft.
The neo(new engine option) variants of the Airbus A320 family are powered by new generation engines, either PurePower PW1100G-JM from Pratt and Whitney or the LEAP-1A from CFM International, resulting in reduced operating costs due to improved operational efficiency.
In response, Boeing may offer its neo rival 737 MAX platform for military roles, which are by powered by the CFM LEAP-1B engines.
The Airbus A320neo family consist of the smaller A319neo, the mid size A320neo and the longer A321neo.
The family have a fuselage diameter of 3.7 m and height of 11.7 m, and flight ranges between 6500 to 7400 km.
Airbus says it is in talks with New Zealand for the aircraft and Germany, France are also potential customers.
If proceeded, A320 neo will become the second Airbus commercial aircraft to be offered for military roles after the Airbus A330 MRTT tanker transport aircraft.
