New A400M variant delivered to German air force

[Lyneham Lad]

Article & picture on Flight Global (https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-new-a400m-variant-delivered-to-german-air-f-432349/)

Snip:-
The German air force has received its sixth Airbus Defence & Space A400M transport, featuring a new baseline tactical configuration to allow the aircraft to operate in more contested environments.

Airbus has incorporated a number of upgrades onto Berlin’s latest example, including the ability to operate from unprepared grass runways, act as an aerial refuelling tanker, and take off in temperatures of up to 55°C (131°F).

In addition, the A400M's defensive aids system has been improved, extra air-drop cargo and paratrooping capabilities have been added, and the aircraft can now operate at heights as low as 150ft above the ground in daylight and 300ft at night.

Any likelihood that our fleet be retrofitted with the upgrades?

[Winchweight]

Yes, the UK retrofit program has been running for months and a second program is already planned to take them further still.

[Lyneham Lad]

Thanks. Good to know.

[Bigbux]

They just need a parliament that will let them use it as intended now.

[BATCO]

LLad asked: Any likelihood that our fleet be retrofitted with the upgrades?

Winchy replied: Yes, .........



Winchy

Does that "yes" include the AAR bit? Or does 'ability to .... act as an aerial refuelling tanker' merely mean 'potential' ie fitted for but not with?

Regards
Batco

[Lordflasheart]

fitted for but not with?I think if you're caught even thinking AAR in relation to the Brit A400s, you have to pay bucket loads of corkage to AirTanker (Dispensing, that is - not receiving)

LFH

.................

[Winchweight]

All the essential plumbing is present on all A400Ms, but the UK did not buy the AAR role fit items - pods, additional tanks etc, as they felt they already had sufficient capability with existing platforms, so fitted for, not with...

[skydiver69]

All the essential plumbing is present on all A400Ms, but the UK did not buy the AAR role fit items - pods, additional tanks etc, as they felt they already had sufficient capability with existing platforms, so fitted for, not with...
The UK has an exclusive contract with the Airtanker consortium to provide AAR using Airbus A330 so there is no chance for any other aeroplane to be used for the task.

[ACW342]

And when Vlad decides that certain East European countries need to be in the Sovie.. oops! Russian sphere of influence, and the A330s are busy rushing politicians around and recovering tourists, and not being allowed to fly into areas deemed to risky to the Lloyds aircraft insurance syndicate and the board of directors, I'm sure that the Luftwaffe might let some of out Typhies have a suck. After all, other chaps have lent us a hand with their MPAs to chase the nasty Akulas away.

[FJ2ME]

I'm afraid some of the arguments above are a touch optimistic. Under the terms of the Airtanker contract we are not allowed to use any other asset to dispense AAR-they have exclusive rights. They wouldn't have proceeded with the contract if we hadn't agreed that concession.

[Dan Winterland]

Commercial concerns preventing operational flexibility. Who signed for this?

[t43562]

Re Airtanker I would have thought that the next contract could be written such that some payment might be made to compensate them for losing out on N hours or litres of refuelling or however it is measured. If the amount is high enough I can't imagine them complaining. They could even pay for/provide the refuelling equipment and keep tabs on its use.

[FJ2ME]

Re Airtanker I would have thought that the next contract could be written such that some payment might be made to compensate them for losing out on N hours or litres of refuelling or however it is measured. If the amount is high enough I can't imagine them complaining. They could even pay for/provide the refuelling equipment and keep tabs on its use.

Good point-bring it up in about 24years when the contract is up for renewal....

[chopper2004]

Back in the summer, LL started this

http://www.pprune.org/military-aviation/578779-germany-pull-out-a400-program.html

and recently they have ordered 5 C-130J predominantly in support of SF , to be delivered in 2021 time space

cheers

[Less Hair]

Those C-130 are not ordered yet just "politically" announced to be ordered one day. Plans call for operating them along french ones from a french base (with german crews) for easier maintenance and lower cost.

[chopper2004]

Then again did see their A400M here at ILA below

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g209/longranger/IMG_6616_zpsmnsbq1lq.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g209/longranger/IMG_6633_zpsxc0fkn8m.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g209/longranger/IMG_6634_zpsxpkzmrm3.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g209/longranger/IMG_6637_zpsrzhhthej.jpg

[Bigbux]

you have to pay bucket loads of corkage to AirTanker

Just choked on my Windolene :)

[TBM-Legend]

Why does the A400 have an almost old fashioned black radome [puppy dog nose] vs. aircraft colour on just about every other grey camo type I can think of?

[Bigbux]

It really needs a 1960s "lightning" stripe along the sides.