TAS will be roughly 100KTAS greater than the C-130 in the mid-30s.
Regarding the 21st century's most advanced military airlifter:
The A400M flight control system obtains information from the sidesticks and rudder pedals which is processed by 4 flight control computers which signal the input to hydraulic control surface actuators. Even in the event of the failure of all 4 FCCs, an independent electrical back up system controls additional electro-hydrostatic actuators for all 3 axes. Flaps, spoilers and stab trim are powered by both hydraulic systems.
Segregation between flight control system power sources, distributed routing of electrical cables and distributed avionic racking is a standard feature to maximise battle damage resistance.
An on-board fuel tank inerting system is offered as an option, providing the capability of extracting the air dissolved in the fuel and replacing it with nitrogen-enriched air, as well as filling the ullage space in each tank with nitrogen-enriched air. This reduces the risk of a fire hazard in a battle environment.
I cannot confirm or deny whether the UK's procurment people have specified a full-up DASS, crew protection and and on-board fuel tank inerting, but I am sure that's something the front line end users will be asking the IPT to make clear...
Won't you?
Last edited by BEagle; 29th Apr 2006 at 10:03.