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RMAF Acquired 4 Airbus A400M Atlas

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Maximum payload:

 

C-130J - 21,770 kg

A-400M - 37,000 kg

C-17 - 77,519 kg

 

Maximum Take Off Weight:

 

C-130J - 74,390 kg

A-400M - 141,000 kg

C-17 - 265,350 kg

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A380 to fly at FIDAE Air Show as part of 2012 World Tour

 

 

A400M makes debut at Latin America’s biggest air show in Santiago de Chile

 

8 MARCH 2012 PRESS RELEASE

 

For the first time Airbus will showcase its biggest stars together at the FIDAE Air Show (Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio) in Santiago, Chile. Both the iconic A380 and the new generation airlifter A400M will be in static display and conduct flight demonstrations at Latin America’s most important air show.

 

The A380’s participation at FIDAE is part of the aircraft’s 2012 World Tour, which will include stops in Brazil (Sao Paulo on March 22 and Rio de Janeiro on March 23) and Argentina, (Buenos Aires on March 30) before returning to Toulouse. The aircraft will stay in Santiago de Chile for FIDAE between March 26 and 29.

 

“Airbus has been participating in FIDAE for nearly 30 years because it is the most important venue in Latin America to showcase the latest Airbus technology,” said Rafael Alonso, Executive Vice President of Airbus for Latin America and the Caribbean. “With Latin American air traffic expected to triple in the next 20 years, Airbus estimates the region will require more than 40 very large aircraft, like the A380, between today and 2030. Bringing the A380 to the region has never been more relevant because it is not a question of when the A380 will begin to operate here, but rather what airline will be the first to fly it.”

 

With 138 airports visited worldwide, the A380 has proven it can be operated in existing airport infrastructure with no or little modifications. Today some 30 airports worldwide see A380 daily operations. In addition to these, more than 50 airports are ready or getting prepared to accommodate the A380 and answer the airlines’ need for more A380 destinations. The world’s largest, most comfortable and eco-efficient passenger aircraft, is now in service with some of the greatest international airlines. More than 70 A380 have been delivered already to 7 customers from a firm order book of 253 aircraft from 19 customers.

 

Airbus Military will bring the most versatile airlifter for the 21st Century, the A400M, to Latin America for the first time. Grizzly 2, one of the five flight test aircraft, will arrive at FIDAE on 26th of March and will stay at the show, in the static display, until 28th of March, when the aircraft will fly to Lima, Peru for a visit.

 

The A400M will be in Latin America until 1st of April and during this period, as part of the A400M Flight Test Campaign, it will perform High Altitude testing in Bolivia (Cochabamba and La Paz).

 

“Latin America is of strategic importance for Airbus Military and FIDAE is a key platform. The presence of the A400M shows how important this event is for our company”, said Antonio Rodriguez Barberán, Head of Commercial of Airbus Military.

 

The A400M is the all new military airlifter designed to satisfy not only the Armed Forces’ needs in the 21st Century, but also the needs of humanitarian aid and other “civic” missions to the benefit of society. Thanks to its advanced technologies, it is able to fly higher, faster and further while retaining high maneuverability, low speed and short, soft and rough airfield capabilities.

 

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Airbus Military A-400M en Cochabamba

Por Osvaldo Martínez, 25 March, 2012

 

Yesterday put wheels on the runway at George Airport Wilsterman (SLCB / CBB) in Cochabamba, Bolivia, the Airbus A-400M Military.

 

The A-400M functional tests carried out in Bolivia in engines and height approval before starting to perform at the FIDAE 2012 in Santiago de Chile.

 

We left some images thanks to Fernando Ruiz and Mario Vera Amez:

 

http://modocharlie.com/2012/03/airbus-military-a-400m-en-cochabamba/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

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Airbus Military A400M flies to Latin Ameica as part of flight test campaign

26/3/2012

 

03_26_2012_3.jpg

 

The Airbus Military A400M new generation airlifter for the 21st Century, landed today in Santiago de Chile during its first visit to Latin America as part of the A400M flight test campaign. Flown by Experimental Test Pilot Ignacio “Nacho” Lombo, the aircraft landed at FIDAE Airshow at approximately 13:15.

 

Grizzly 2, one of the five development aircraft, arrived in Latin America on 23 of March to perform high altitude flight tests at Cochabamba, Bolivia, where the airfield is located at 8,360ft (2,550 m) above sea level. Flying from Cochabamba towards FIDAE Airshow, the A400M reached another milestone in its flight test programme: the 1000th flight.

 

After its arrival at FIDAE, it will stay at the show in static display until 28th of March when the aircraft will fly to Lima, Peru, for a visit and to La Paz, Bolivia, at more than 13,000ft (3,960 m), for further flight tests.

 

“I had the privilege to land the A380 for the first time at FIDAE in 2008, which was a proud moment. I am delighted to be back again at FIDAE and this time to bring the most versatile new generation airlifter: the A400M. It is an honor for us to have the A400M for the first time at FIDAE and see it here next to the A380, two new generation aircraft together”, said Nacho Lombo.

 

About A400M

 

The A400M is the all new military airlifter designed to satisfy not only the Armed Forces’ needs in the 21st Century, but also the needs of humanitarian aid and other “civic” missions to the benefit of society. Thanks to its advanced technologies, it is able to fly higher, faster and further while retaining high maneuverability, low speed and short, soft and rough airfield capabilities.

 

http://www.airbusmilitary.com/LatestNews/tabid/176/ArticleID/186/ArtMID/681/Airbus-Military-A400M-flies-to-Latin-America-as-part-of-flight-test--campaign.aspx

Edited by xtemujin

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Finally and hopefully it will come true...

 

DzirhanDefence

Airbus A400M to be at RMAF Subang on April 17th in conjunction with on-going Defence Services Asia exhibition in Kuala Lumpur

 

DzirhanDefence

A400M appearence at RMAF Subang stated by Defence Minister Zahid during press conference on Defence Services Asia

 

:acute: :acute: :acute:

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Airbus Military A400M to Visit Asia for First Time‎

10/4/2012

Malaysia as A400M customer is first destination.

 

The Airbus Military A400M new generation airlifter for the 21st Century, is to visit Asia between April 14 and 20. Malaysia, an A400M customer, is the first and longest stop of its three-nation Asia tour, with the aircraft staying there from 14 – 17 April. The tour continues with visits to Jakarta, Indonesia, and Chiang Mai and Bangkok, Thailand, before returning to Europe.

 

The visit, the first time that the A400M will be seen in Asia, will give the Malaysian Government and Air Force a chance to see the A400M at first hand. The Malaysian Government has ordered four of the new aircraft which has as its launch customer nations Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Turkey and the UK.

 

The aircraft that will be flown for the Asia Pacific tour is Grizzly 4, one of the five development aircraft.

 

For the Malaysian leg of the tour, the A400M will be welcomed by the Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force on 15 April at the Subang Airbase. The aircraft will then remain there on static display, for visits by the Minister of Defence, Royal Malaysian Air Force personnel and invited guests who will be participating at Defence Services Asia 2012. Demonstration flights will take place over the following days with selected Air Forces and VIP guests.

 

Grizzly 4 will then fly to Jakarta, Indonesia, on 18th April where it will be based for a day at the Halim airbase. Government and Air Force guests will be able to visit the aircraft and participate in a demonstration flight to get a firsthand experience of the outstanding capabilities of the A400M. Airbus Military’s long standing partner in Indonesia, PT Dirgantara Indonesia, is supporting and facilitating the Grizzly’s visit to Indonesia.

 

On 19th April, the aircraft will leave for Thailand with a visit to the Chiang Mai airbase first, participating in the 100th anniversary celebrations of the Royal Thai Air Force, followed by a flight with the Royal Thai Air Force on board to Don Muang International Airport in Bangkok. Various Government and Air Force guests will visit the aircraft during this static display. The aircraft will then return to Europe on the 20th of April.

 

The A400M is an all new military airlifter designed to meet the needs of the world’s Armed Forces in the 21st Century. Thanks to its most advanced technologies, it is able to fly higher, faster and further, while retaining high manoeuvrability, low speed, and short, soft and rough airfield capabilities. It combines both tactical and strategic/logistic missions, while being also able to be used as a tanker plane. With its cargo hold specifically designed to carry the outsize equipment needed today for both military and humanitarian disaster relief missions, it can bring this material quickly and directly to where it is most needed.

 

Conceived to be highly reliable, dependable, and with a great survivability, the multipurpose A400M can do the job of three of today’s different aircraft models in a single one. This means smaller fleets and less investment from the operator. Able to do more with less, the A400M is the most cost efficient and versatile airlifter ever conceived and absolutely unique in its capabilities.

 

About Airbus Military

 

Airbus Military is the only military and civic/humanitarian transport aircraft manufacturer to develop, produce, sell and support a comprehensive family of airlifters ranging from three to 45 tonnes of payload. An Airbus daughter company, Airbus Military is responsible for the A400M programme, as well as the Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A330 and for further military derivatives based on Airbus civil aircraft. Together with the smaller “Light & Medium” C295, CN235 and C212, Airbus Military is the global leader in the market for military transport, tanker and surveillance aircraft able to perform the most varied missions. Altogether, Airbus Military has sold more than 1,000 aircraft to some 130 military, civilian and governmental customers. More than 800 of these aircraft have been delivered. Airbus is an EADS company.

 

http://www.airbusmil...e-in-April.aspx

Edited by xtemujin

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Malaysia To Receive A400m Military Airlifter In 2015

 

PETALING JAYA, April 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is expected to receive its first Airbus A400M military airlifter in January 2015 with the rest to follow in in stages, Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) commander Gen Tan Sri Rodzali Daud said.

 

Malaysia placed an order for four A400Ms in December 2005 with a cost of RM3.5 billion, including training and logistics.

 

All the aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2016, Rodzali said.

 

He added that the A400M was not meant to replace the existing C130 transport aircraft but rather, to increase the capacity of the RMAF by two-fold, thus giving the force to three major capabilities, namely a true heavy airlift capability, tactical capability and air-to-air refuelling capability.

 

He was speaking to reporters after welcoming the arrival of Airbus' new-generation transport aircraft, the Grizzly 4, which is on a three-nation tour of Asia involving Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, at the RMAF base in Subang, near here.

 

Present was Airbus' vice-president for Asia-Pacific, Ignacio Alonso.

 

The A400M has the capability of landing on makeshift runways and capable of combining logistical and tactical operations. It has a lifting capacity of up to 30 tonnes with a range of 2,450 nautical miles.

 

The A400M is also capable of taking in 116 fully-geared paratroopers and allows for a jump from both doors.

 

"The paratroopers will be able to perform their tasks rapidly. This is useful when performing a jump in a special operation," Rodzali said.

 

The Grizzly 4, which took off from Toulouse, France, was piloted by Ed Strongman. It will leave for Jakarta on Wednesday before proceeding to Chiang Mai and Bangkok on Thursday and flying back to Europe on Friday.

 

-- BERNAMA

 

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Malaysia placed an order for four A400Ms in December 2005 with a cost of RM3.5 billion, including training and logistics.

What is the price of this A400M? If I am not mistaken it's only GBP100M per unit. GBP400m for 4 aircrafts i.e. RM2b only @ RM5.00 to GBP1 exchange rate. Bernam quoted the price at RM3.5b. Who is making the extra commission?

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Malaysia placed an order for four A400Ms in December 2005 with a cost of RM3.5 billion, including training and logistics.

What is the price of this A400M? If I am not mistaken it's only GBP100M per unit. GBP400m for 4 aircrafts i.e. RM2b only @ RM5.00 to GBP1 exchange rate. Bernam quoted the price at RM3.5b. Who is making the extra commission?

 

I think most Malaysian's already knows who is pocketing in the extra "duit syling" here...... no need to speculate :nea:

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Airbus Military A400M makes first landing in Malaysia

15/04/2012, Sunday

 

04_15_2012_2.jpg

 

The Airbus Military A400M new generation airlifter recently arrived in Malaysia at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Subang Airbase as part of its Asia tour, where a welcome ceremony took place today in the presence of the Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force. The visit, the first time that the A400M will be seen in Asia, will give the Malaysian Government and Air Force a chance to see the A400M at first hand. The Malaysian Government has ordered four of the new aircraft which has as its launch customer nations Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Turkey and the UK.

 

Airbus Military Senior Vice President for Commercial, Strategy and Industrial Relations, Asia, Ignacio Alonso said at the occasion of the welcoming ceremony: “It is with immense pleasure and pride that we bring the A400M to our highly valued customer, the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the Malaysian Government. During the visit of the A400M here in Malaysia we will show the exceptional capabilities of the aircraft to the Chief of the Air Force and the Minister of Defense as well as other Air Force staff and invited guests. The A400M will perfectly respond to the national and international needs of the Royal Malaysian Air Force as well as allow the most effective participation in humanitarian missions. We look forward to a long and fruitful cooperation with Malaysia.”

 

04_15_2012.jpg

 

Airbus Military Chief Test Pilot, Ed Strongman, added: “I have had the pleasure of showing the Chief of the RMAF the A400M simulator in France last year and now I look forward to showing him, and his RMAF personnel, the real aircraft flying here in Malaysia. We have done a lot of work since his last visit to Toulouse and have now completed all the flight test work for the issue of the initial Type Certificate.

 

This year we are expanding the aircraft’s capabilities to achieve its full potential - short field and unpaved runway operations, air drop of equipment, and Air to Air Refuelling are just a few examples of our present flight test activities. We look forward to seeing our magnificent A400M in service with the Royal Malaysian Air Force”.

 

About the A400M

The A400M is an all new military airlifter designed to meet the needs of the world’s Armed Forces in the 21st Century. Thanks to its most advanced technologies, it is able to fly higher, faster and further, while retaining high manoeuvrability, low speed, and short, soft and rough airfield capabilities. It combines both tactical and strategic/logistic missions, while being also able to be used as a tanker plane. With its cargo hold specifically designed to carry the outsize equipment needed today for both military and humanitarian disaster relief missions, it can bring this material quickly and directly to where it is most needed.

Conceived to be highly reliable, dependable, and with a great survivability, the multipurpose A400M can do the job of three of today’s different aircraft models in a single one. This means smaller fleets and less investment from the operator. Able to do more with less, the A400M is the most cost efficient and versatile airlifter ever conceived and absolutely unique in its capabilities.

 

About Airbus Military

Airbus Military is the only military and civic/humanitarian transport aircraft manufacturer to develop, produce, sell and support a comprehensive family of airlifters ranging from three to 45 tonnes of payload. An Airbus daughter company, Airbus Military is responsible for the A400M programme, as well as the Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A330 and for further military derivatives based on Airbus civil aircraft. Together with the smaller “Light & Medium” C295, CN235 and C212, Airbus Military is the global leader in the market for military transport, tanker and surveillance aircraft able to perform the most varied missions. Altogether, Airbus Military has sold more than 1,000 aircraft to some 130 military, civilian and governmental customers. More than 800 of these aircraft have been delivered. Airbus is an EADS company.

 

http://www.airbusmilitary.com/LatestNews/t...n-Malaysia.aspx

 

Interview RMAF Chief of the Airforce Tan Sri Rodzali Daud at Subang.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu8fRgNO3HI

Edited by xtemujin

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Airbus Military takes A400M to Indonesia for first visit

18/4/2012

 

04_18_2012.jpg

 

The Airbus Military A400M, the new generation airlifter for the 21st Century, has arrived today in Indonesia for a one day visit. The aircraft, “Grizzly 4”, one of the five development aircraft, arrived at the Halim Airbase, Jakarta, at 10am local time.

 

The visit is part of the first Asia Pacific Tour the A400M is making, visiting Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, then Chiang Mai and finally Bangkok, before returning to Europe.

From Halim Airbase it will make two local flights with various Government and Air Force guests and it will be on static display for other Government and Air Force guests who will be visiting the aircraft.

 

The A400M is an all new military airlifter designed to meet the needs of the world’s Armed Forces in the 21st Century. Thanks to its most advanced technologies, it is able to fly higher, faster and further, while retaining high manoeuvrability, low speed, and short, soft and rough airfield capabilities. It combines both tactical and strategic/logistic missions, while being also able to be used as a tanker plane. With its cargo hold specifically designed to carry the outsize equipment needed today for both military and humanitarian disaster relief missions, it can bring this material quickly and directly to where it is most needed.

 

Conceived to be highly reliable, dependable, and with a great survivability, the multipurpose A400M can do the job of three of today’s different aircraft models in a single one. This means smaller fleets and less investment from the operator. Able to do more with less, the A400M is the most cost efficient and versatile airlifter ever conceived and absolutely unique in its capabilities.

 

About Airbus Military

Airbus Military is the only military and civic/humanitarian transport aircraft manufacturer to develop, produce, sell and support a comprehensive family of airlifters ranging from three to 45 tonnes of payload. An Airbus daughter company, Airbus Military is responsible for the A400M programme, as well as the Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A330 and for further military derivatives based on Airbus civil aircraft. Together with the smaller “Light & Medium” C295, CN235 and C212, Airbus Military is the global leader in the market for military transport, tanker and surveillance aircraft able to perform the most varied missions. Altogether, Airbus Military has sold more than 1,000 aircraft to some 130 military, civilian and governmental customers. More than 800 of these aircraft have been delivered. Airbus is an EADS company.

 

http://www.airbusmilitary.com/LatestNews/tabid/176/ArticleID/192/ArtMID/681/Airbus-Military-takes-A400M-to-Indonesia-for-first-visit.aspx

 

Photo: AIRBUS A400M in Indonesia.

 

http://www.antaranews.com/foto/29678/airbus-a400m

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Engine woes again force A400M out of air demo: sources

By Cyril Altmeyer and Tim Hepher

PARIS | Wed Jul 4, 2012 2:54pm EDT

 

PARIS (Reuters) - Airbus (EAD.PA) is pulling Europe's A400M airlifter out of flying displays at next week's Farnborough Airshow due to continued engine problems, forcing it to sit out popular annual stunts for the second year running, industry sources said.

 

The move repeats a decision at last year's equivalent event outside Paris, but is not expected to disrupt plans to deliver it to its first customer, France, around the end of the year.

 

The A400M cost 20 billion euros to develop and is designed to add airlift capacity for seven European NATO nations -- Britain, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain and Turkey.

 

It has suffered a series of teething problems that led to a four-year delay and billions of euros in cost overruns, mainly due to engine software delays and glitches with other systems.

 

A gearbox failure forced Airbus to scratch the A400M from the flying display list on the eve of last year's Paris show.

 

Continued problems mean it will again be withdrawn from the prestigious flight displays at next week's Farnborough Airshow in the UK, but it will be flown in and parked on display for visitors from potential importing countries and other delegates.

 

"Based on engine issues it has been decided not to participate in the flight display but the aircraft will be on static display," an industry source told Reuters.

 

The A400M has not been grounded and has been seen at several events in the past year. But the gearbox problems have led to restrictions that would rule out the kind of stunts popular at Farnborough, such as the A400M's trademark steep, slanting turn.

 

Airbus last week announced the A400M and A380 -- respectively Europe's largest defense and commercial aviation projects -- would be on the Farnborough flying display, which unusually this year also features a 787 jetliner from Boeing.

 

Airbus had no immediate comment on any change in its air show plans but stressed its delivery plans were on schedule.

 

"The engine maturity is still not where we want it to be, but the schedule is not affected and we expect the first delivery at the turn of the year," an Airbus spokesperson said.

 

Maturity refers to the speed at which problems common in aircraft developments are ironed out in flight testing.

 

Eyes in the aircraft industry will be on the loss-making aircraft's status as it awaits full certification around mid-year, a step that must be completed before it can be delivered and bring in further payments for Airbus parent EADS (EAD.PA).

 

"The problem with the gearbox on the A400M is not completely resolved," said a source with direct knowledge of the project, adding, "It's pulling too hard".

 

The A400M is powered by the West's largest turboprop engines and designed to perform multiple roles in remote or rugged locations, fitting between the smaller Lockheed (LMT.N) C-130 turboprop and larger jet-powered Boeing (BA.N) C-17.

 

Air chiefs from nations that launched the A400M are due to adopt the airplane - nicknamed "Grizzly" by its pilots - by renaming it "Atlas" at a ceremony at a military show on Friday.

 

(Reporting by Cyril Altmeyer, Tim Hepher; Editing by Christian Plumb)

 

http://www.reuters.c...E8630NP20120704

Edited by xtemujin

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FARNBOROUGH: Airbus Military pulls A400M out of flying display

By: Dominic Perry London

 

Engine issues have again curtailed the participation of the Airbus Military A400M in the flying display of a major air show after the manufacturer announced the type would only be shown on the static park at the Farnborough air show, which starts on 9 July.

 

"The decision to have the aircraft on static display only is based on engine issues that happened last week which need further investigation," says Airbus Military.

Instead, it will show the first production representative example, MSN6.

 

Last year the airframer was forced to pull out of the flying display at the Paris air show after a flight-test problem in one of its Europrop International TP400-D6 turboprop engines halted all non-essential flights.

 

Flight testing continues at an "aggressive pace", it adds. "It is beginning to show the level of technical maturity required at first delivery, and we are pleased with the overall performance of the aircraft.

 

"Despite some engine maturity challenges, we are confident that we will find the right solutions and provide our customers with an aircraft that fully meets or exceeds the expectations."

 

At the end of June, the A400M had completed 1,180 flights, accumulating 3,535h since its first flight in December 2009.

 

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/farnborough-airbus-military-pulls-a400m-out-of-flying-display-373767/

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Deputy Chief of RMAF gives A400M thumbs up

26 September 2012 Wednesday

 

09_26_2012.jpg

 

Photo : (Left) Deputy Chief of Royal Malaysian Air Force, Lieutenant General Datuk Roslan Saad, gives the A400M the thumbs up. With him is Ed Strongman, Airbus Military Chief Test Pilot.

 

 

Deputy Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force, Lieutenant General Datuk Roslan Saad, has given the Airbus Military A400M his thumbs up following his test flight of the new generation airlifter in Toulouse, France, recently.

 

“It was an enormous pleasure to fly the aircraft that it is going to be at the heart of the RMAF´s transport capabilities in future. It is a real ‘pilot´s aircraft’ and I very much look forward to seeing it enter service so that we can apply its capabilities on a wide variety of missions,” said Lieutenant General Datuk Roslan.

 

The Malaysian Government has ordered four of the A400M. It is expected to take delivery of its first A400M in 2015.

 

A total of 174 aircraft have so far been ordered by Belgium France, Germany, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

http://www.airbusmilitary.com/LatestNews/tabid/176/ArticleID/220/ArtMID/681/Deputy-Chief-of-RMAF-gives-A400M-thumbs-up.aspx

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First A400M nears IOC
By Tim Fish | 26 April 2013 Friday | 15:15

 

The first production A400M is expected to be delivered to the French Air Force and achieve military initial operation capability (IOC) in the second quarter of 2013.

 

Known as MSN-7, the first aircraft flew on 6 March and is undergoing final testing at the Airbus Military facility in Seville.

 

Damien Allard, marketing development manager at Airbus Military, told Shephard that it will be delivered after it achieves military certification from France.

 

The first French Air Force mechanics and pilots completed their training courses in February and the first qualified A400M crew was ready in April following the initial flight.

 

Two more aircraft (MSN-8 and MSN-10) will be delivered to the French Air Force with a single aircraft (MSN-9) destined for the Turkish Air Force this year. Production is expected to ramp up from 2014 to achieve a rate of 2.5 aircraft per month from 2015.

 

Parts of the A400M aircraft are manufactured in the UK, Germany, and France and are sent to Seville for final assembly and integration. In hall H1.1 the parts are brought together to create a structurally complete aircraft, although without the engines and some inner linings and panels.

 

The aircraft then moves to hall H1.2 to complete ground testing and installation. This is where all the systems from hydraulics and pneumatics to electrical and flight systems are checked apart from radio and fuel systems – which have to be completed outside for safety reasons.

 

MSN-8, the second French aircraft, is currently on the tarmac completing the radio and fuel tests to prepare for its first flight. The first Turkish aircraft, MSN-9, and the third French aircraft, MSN-10, are in hall H1.2 and the fourth French aircraft, MSN-11, is undergoing assembly in hall H1.1.

 

There are eight initial customers for the A400M. France wants 50 aircraft; Turkey ten; Germany will begin to receive the first of its 53 aircraft along with the first of 22 for the UK from 2014.

 

Malaysia will begin to receive the first of four aircraft from 2015 and Spain will see the first of its order of 27 from 2016. Belgium has orders for seven and Luxembourg has an order for one aircraft which will enter production in 2019.

 

http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/mil-log/first-a400m-nears-ioc/

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At long last, French military receives first A400M

 

France receives first A400M military transporter, culminating long-troubled Airbus program

 

PARIS (AP) -- France has become the first country to receive an A400M military transport plane from Airbus, bringing to fruition a long-troubled program.


The delivery Thursday culminates "a long, complex and thorough process" between Airbus Military and the seven European nations behind the program, France's DGA military procurement agency said in a statement. Civil and military flight certifications, performance verifications and checks of the plane in recent days paved the way for the delivery.

 

A decade in the making, the 20 billion-euro ($27 billion) project was about 5 billion euros over budget and three years behind schedule. In 2010, the program nearly collapsed over cost overruns: A struggle between Airbus and its military customers over technical and financial problems came to a head when Airbus parent EADS threatened to pull the plug on the project. The plane was salvaged only after a new infusion of government funds.

 

"Today is a truly historic day for the European aerospace industry — marking the moment at which it becomes the new global leader in the military transport sector with an entirely new aircraft," said Domingo Urena, chairman and CEO of Madrid-based Airbus Military, in a separate statement.

 

Airbus Military spokeswoman Maggie Bergsma said the A400M is aimed to fill "a gap in the market." She said two more planes are to be delivered to France and one to Turkey this year. Ten deliveries are planned next year, and 21 in 2015.

 

Airbus says the A400M, which uses the largest turboprop engines ever fitted to a Western aircraft, will be able to carry twice the load of another competitor, the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, and that its fuel-efficient power plants will make it cheaper to operate than the jet-powered C-17. The A400M's turboprops, mounted high on the wing, allow it to fly in and out of unprepared airstrips where jet-powered transports with engines slung low beneath the wings face the danger of ingesting runway debris, Airbus says.

 

The European defense and aerospace consortium expects to sell about 400 of the freighters over the next 30 years as air forces around the world — particularly in the Middle East — start replacing their transport aircraft.


European nations have long been hampered by the shortfall in strategic military airlift capabilities. In the 1990s, they struggled to deploy forces to nearby trouble spots in Bosnia and Kosovo without using U.S. Air Force transports such as the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III.

 

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/long-last-french-military-receives-153524894.html

Edited by xtemujin

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