Airbus Military has started building a new A400M fuselage production facility in Bremen, which will include nine workstations and be able to produce a complete fuselage every eight weeks.
The A400M Load Master Work Station (LMWS) demonstrator on the Airbus stand (Hall 4, A14) features prominently at Farnborough and is seen as key to the success of A400M air transport operations. The computerised workstation allows crews to calculate weight and balance and plan loads with speed and precision.
The A400M programme is a direct result of a commonly expressed need by eight European air forces for a new generation military airlifter. The scope of this initiative is to specify and procure an aircraft of a common definition.
Orders
On 27 May 2003, a contract was signed between Airbus Military and OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coop‚ration en MatiŠre d'Armement), representing orders for Belgium (7), France (50), Germany (60), Luxembourg (1), Spain (27), Turkey (10), and United Kingdom (25) making a total of 180 aircraft.
This paved the way for the programme to be formally launched on 31 May 2003. According to Airbus Military, the A400M is still on track for first flight in 2008, with the first metal due to be cut in 2005. Initial deliveries are planned for the French Air Force in 2009. Service entry for the Royal Air Force is on track for 2010.
In addition to being a flexible tactical transporter and airlifter, the A400M can also serve as a three-point tactical tanker platform, an integral part of the programme specification. The aircraft will be capable of being re-roled as a tanker with two wing pods within two hours. Additionally, the aircraft can be equipped with a palletised centreline hose and drogue station if required.
Additional fuel capacity can be provided by two cargo bay tanks each containing 5.69t (12,500lb). The two cargo tank configuration means A400M compares favourably with both the KC-135 and the RAF VC10 tankers. For example, an A400M on station for two hours at a range of 400 nautical mile radius would have a potential fuel give away of just over 40,000t compared with 42,000t for the KC-135 and VC10.
These statistics underline the suitability for a secondary tanker role for the RAF A400Ms, especially in support of the Falklands-based air defence fighters and any out-of-area (OOA) operations, an initial part of the UK requirement.
Source: Flight Daily News
