The fifth C17 should be delivered to the RAAF by the third quarter of this year.
This will happen as the USAF has agreed we can one of the frames that is in build now.
The reason that this can happen is that are buying aircraft that are of a stock standard and so we really are buying off the shelf. Maybe we are learning and the "aces" are being ignored.
The case for the A400M is indeed a cause of concern.
The aircraft is totally unproven in military service, could be a dream but every aircraft including the C130 and C17, had a settling down period early in its life. Even the C130J has had and still has development problems. The C130H was in the total picture the best C130 model we brought. Shame they have been flogged to death, meeting what the army considered to be their needs.
The A400M is an expensive aircraft to buy.
It will be an expensive aircraft to both fly and operate.
I hope for all the operators sakes that I am wrong and it goes a dream.
What should be done as a matter of urgency, is to have a proper freight floor fitted to the KC30 and that too will be good value for money.
Regards
Col