PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Preservation of C130 K and VC10 for Future Generations
Old 10th Dec 2008, 15:07
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taxydual
 
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Looks like the would-be Gate Guardians will be needed a bit longer



RAF Considers Alternatives to Belated A400M




The Ministry of Defence is now believed to be looking at alternatives to the A400M aircraft given the lengthy delays that the project faces. The programme, run by EADS has endured severe delays due to engine testing problems in the aircraft. The first deliveries were originally scheduled for late 2009, but the technical issues have pushed the delivery date back to 2011 according to some EADS officials. A leaked e-mail from the company however stated that the company could not confirm any delivery date or first flight for the airplanes. With the project in a state of limbo, MoD has begun looking at alternatives both in the short term and on a more permanent basis. It has been well documented by MoD officials that the RAF is examining the possibility of extending the life of the C-130Ks and leasing additional C-17s on a short term basis. But with the A400M’s future becoming more uncertain by the day, MoD has begun discussions with the AirTanker consortium about developing a new model of the A330 tanker as a permanent alternative to the A400M. The consortium is already contracted to provide refuelling tanker aircraft for the RAF. MoD officials have asked the consortium to explore the possibility of refining the A330 MRTT tankers for equipment transport duties. The RAF is scheduled to buy 14 of the aircraft as part of a £13bn PFI deal. At this point it is unclear whether the conversion is possible or how long the transformation will take and at what cost. It is obvious however that there are genuine concerns that the A400M project may join the ranks of other high profile defence projects in suffering huge delays and cost overruns. BBC News.
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