The A400M programme was primarily delayed by the sloth of certain launch customers to agree to their order numbers. Once the go ahead was finally given, the program development proceded without any show stoppers.
C-17A is an excellent aircraft, I agree. But more expensive than the A400M, which will have about 71% of the lift capacity at a more affordable price. Or at least that was the plan!
Whereas I cannot believe that the Eurochopper will cost less than the Mi 26.....
German heavy helicopter cargo box requirement compared to Mi 26:
Length: 9.1 m (12 m)
Width: 3.1 m(3.3 m)
Height: 2.75 m(2.9 - 3.2 m)
Last edited by BEagle; 25th Jun 2007 at 16:42.