Mike - 'sign to fly' is 56 months with entry into service at 77 months. All bar one nation have now signed, the last nation is in the process of doing so. Final 'Sign' is anticipated by the end of June.
The Common Standard Aircraft will come with many of the features you mention. One nation is particularly keen for a good covert tactical night low level capability. An integral DASS is available; however I don't know whether the RAF has specified it. But survivability and NVG compatibility have been built-in from the outset.
With luck the expensive and procrastinating hand of QwintyQwoo won't be allowed anywhere near the project; instead a central multi-national tactical development organisation will be responsible for achieving the relevant clearances......
The C130J is nothing more than a digitally re-mastered 1950s design whereas A400M will be a generation ahead of even A330 as it will share A380 technology. Don't forget that, unlike certain aircraft companies, Airbus has always achieved 'first flight' on time - except for one design for which a different engine was specified after 'sign-off'. Even then it was only delayed 4 months....