Given that it may only carry one line of pallets, I presume it can carry non-palleted (long/outsize) stuff as well? ie strapped to the floor? Yes, I understand the handling probs therein, but I'm sure I've seen lots of odd shaped things lurking down the back of C-17's. Surely it's not just pallets or bust, is it?

Is it just me, or does that helicopter look rather happy at being snuggled up inside an A400M:

Maybe not a happy but hungry Puma ?

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z...g?t=1197933069

I agree that you can move all sorts of loose loaded kit if you have to but movement on a pallet that is the best way to to reduce damage and to speed loading/unloading. Different sized pallets may be a compromise if you are willing to end up with non standard loads that would not easily tranship to other aircraft types and accept that there would be dual airportability standards for equipment. As for C17 only carrying large bulky loads my impression is that on most occasions they are fitted to carry pallets because what needs to be moved is everyday stuff that keeps armies going not tanks and helicopters. As I said they missed a trick with the A400 and it is a pity.

Name for the A400M
 

What is this beast going to be called when it enters service?
Samson? Mammoth? Titanic!!!

Airtruck?

Sorry:\

A400 Keith?

....airtruck!

Can anyone hear an echo in here?

I hear it will be called 'Loadmaster'.....:rolleyes:

I prefered 'Bristol Bureaucrat'!!

Keith gets my vote :ok:

We have had a long time to think about this, and I fear will have plenty of time yet, but keith is my choice.

If sales to the US are anticipated, the 'haulasseriser' may be better.

I may have missed the post (or point) about what i am going to say but have Brize Norton actually got the ramp space for these A400M "GlobeTrotters" and the C-130J's?
Looking on google at the available space, where exactly will the Lyneham lads and the A400M fit in? I suppose there is room if they take all those Caravans away to the scrap man (:ouch:) on the western side of the airfield and perhaps on the disused runway/taxiway if they widen the area up near the C-17A's?
Be interesting to see where they will indeed fit. I see there is just enough space for the 6 C-17s and the A330's (if/when we get them) but apart from the areas stated above i can't see much more where the Hercs/A400M's will actually 'go'.
A 'swap' to Fairford might do the trick! (as if!)

Their Airships will be quick to tell you that they expect most of the aeroplanes to be deployed for most of the time.....:(

So no need for them all to have parking slots, it seems.

The whole waterfront is being dug up and relaid to accommodate the folly of moving the C130s from Lyneham.

No-one has actually worked out yet where all the 'Superbase' :yuk: personel will live, let alone park their cars when at work.

'tis all bolleaux....:hmm:

Most of them will be spending their time at Manchester or Birmingham in the foggy periods anyway....or when the Runway goes black... (!)
One Runway for what... 66+ Transport and Tanker aircraft? Great fun.

Never mind the one runway!!!

What about Sqn buildings, hangarage, mess rooms and kitchens, families housing, car parking, school places etc etc.

Not just for the C130Js but 47 AD, TMW and the host of other lodger units.

First C130J due to go in 2010 to Bzn??????:eek:

The Google Earth image makes Brize look quite busy. 6 Tristars (!), VC-10s. Even and Antonov. But by the time Keith gets here they will all be on the scrapyard.:ugh:

Can't see an Antonov, maybe an Il-76 though ;)

But yes, 1 Runway, no hangars, no hard stands/rampage areas, no housing, no nothing, piss poor thinking...as usual.

Space is tight at BZN without including any C130Ks which are due out of service in 2012:confused: but which are now rumoured to be part of the new superbase plan.

Is this anything to do with Airbus's recent problems and the delays and possible cancellation of the A400M???

Some recent images on a press release here

http://www.airbusmilitary.com/press.html