AWST: https://aviationweek.com/defense-spa...4-march-2-2022

Airbus has demonstrated the ability to launch an uncrewed aerial system from an A400M airlifter, a capability that could become a critical component of the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS).

Flight trials undertaken late last year but announced by the OEM on Feb. 21 saw an Airbus-built Do-DT25 target drone deployed from the cargo bay of the A400M over northern Germany.

The launch system was developed by German companies Geradts and SFL, in conjunction with the German aerospace center DLR, under the German-funded Innovations for FCAS initiative, which is designed to involve nontraditional defense companies in development of the Franco-German-Spanish next-generation fighter……

The air-launched demonstration involved a modified company A400M crewed by German Air Force and Airbus flight-test personnel.

As well as the launch demonstration, Airbus tested Modular Airborne Combat Cloud Services that allowed the drone to transmit data back to the A400M as it descended under a parachute for recovery. Such a data transfer, Airbus says, demonstrates how remote carriers can also be connected to a proposed FCAS combat cloud and provide battlefield information during their missions.

Airbus says it will now continue its validation of the A400M as an airborne launch platform for remote carriers, stating that as many as 40 could be launched from the airlifter’s cargo hold.

Future testing is expected to be integrated into the German Air Force’s Timber Express data link exercises. The company says the approach will bring “remote carriers closer to the fight, providing the numbers for a Future Combat System to overwhelm an opponent in a well-protected environment.”

https://second.wiki/wiki/eads_do-dt_25

Video of drop. A400M in the fire fighting role, it uses a RORO palletised system so in theory, any A400M can be used. With a decent payload and the total number of A400Ms in service across Europe, one for wider investment I think

C-130's can do it. ANG have 8 palatized fire fighting systems
C-390 can do it, only test system exists, no one purchased it

There doesn't appear to be much interest in using serving military transports in fire fighting roles

It's a very specialised role that requires significant training, expertise and currency.

Most military AT fleets are overworked with what they're trying to achieve right now never mind adding a fire-fighting role.

Yes that was my point, its a use case that zero airforces, ANG is one exception

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-j...r-middle-east/

UK jets refuel from German A400M over Middle East

Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoons based in the Middle East have successfully carried out air-to-air refuelling from a German Air Force Atlas A400M for the first time, both during the night and the day, according to a press release.This milestone qualifies RAF pilots in refuelling from a different aircraft type, expanding the flexibility and agility of their operations in the region under the International Counter Daesh Coalition.

“Developing this new capability is extremely important as it adds increased flexibility and agility to our air operations here. Operating together strengthens the coalition collectively,” said Wing Commander Chris Pearson, the RAF Typhoon squadron commander in the Middle East, as quoted in the press release.

The practice of multinational air-to-air refuelling, sometimes referred to as providing “Purple Gas,” has long been a key element of Coalition operations. While the RAF primarily relies on Voyager Multi Role Transport Tankers for refuelling, it regularly collaborates with other partners’ aircraft. According to the press release, an RAF Typhoon pilot explained that working with a German A400M presented new challenges.

“We are well trained and experienced in refuelling from the Voyager aircraft as operated by the RAF and other nations, refuelling from A400M however was different because of subtleties that make a surprisingly big difference; such as refuelling airspeed, hose response and markings, basket size and shape and aircraft lighting at night. The German crews were extremely professional, and we enjoy working with them a great deal.”

The German Air Force can configure its A400M as a tanker, whereas the RAF A400M fleet is predominantly used for tactical transport. By expanding this interoperability, the RAF and its Coalition partners enhance their operational options in the ongoing efforts to counter Daesh in Iraq and Eastern Syria, part of the UK’s Operation Shader……

I find it rather odd to task the a400 into aerial refueling.
Good to know it can be done but rather marginal use.

Can you elaborate? Sure, while used for refuelling it can't also be used for transport role, but why is the former 'marginal'?

Is it odd that some C130s have had such a role for many years?

Lots of good reasons to have the capability. To mention just a few.

Flexibiity to have more options when the larger 330MRTT is neither suitable nor available.

Suitable when only a small offload is required in support of operations such as QRA.

Suitable for tactical remote ops, such as in Africa, where no large airfields are available and transit times make MOB support impractical.

Suitable to support helicopter AAR which is impossible in the Voyager/MRTT flight envelope.

Ideal candidate to support QRA in the Falkland Islands. It could also fulfill the maritime recce role down there too. Unfortunately I seem to recall that Air Tanker has been given a monopoly on RAF tankers?

ASRAAMTOO - absurd as it is, coorrect. The utter nonsense of the PFI contract.

I believe you are correct, I seem to recall the MRTT contract specifically forbade other UK aircraft such as the A-400 from serving as a tanker. Very shortsighted, poorly agreed to, contract.

I understand the PFI contract also includes provisions that mean MOD had to pay AirTanker compensation if they use a charter aircraft for transport and not a Voyager (originally £8000 per flight plus £300 pre hour - index linked). Given MOD and ATI are entering the last ten years of the existing contract; surely there would be the possibility of changing the current terms, in return for financial compensation, to allow other aircraft to perform AAR roles which Voyager is not suitable for if there was a strategic incentive for MOD.

The Chinook HC.5s and the new ones on order are plumbed for AAR, as are the Jungly Merlins; I would have thought, especially in the special ops role, range extension is a clear value adding capability, particularly if there is a(n increased) need to rely on sovereign rather than "purple gas". Presumably the contract would prevent the acquisition of VARS thereby enabling refuelling F-35 and Merlin organically by a CSG, should sense prevail.

When the PFI contract was written I wonder if the wording also excluded refuelling from drones?

The French Air Force practicing landing on ice runways at Station Nord in Greenland as part of A-400M certification.

Obviously pre-planned - but nice timing......

https://www-forsvaret-dk.translate.g..._x_tr_pto=wapp

The crew of an Airbus A400M landed at Station Nord in Greenland last week after thorough preparation. The purpose was to certify the aircraft type for landing on ice runways

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....543bd5d27f.png

Have the RAF's A400's been cleared for Para dropping yet? There's been a wee bit of A400 activity around the Carlisle area over the last 2 weeks and going by ADSB there was one last week taking a line along the western edge of Spadeadam that the Hercs have used in the past for Para drops.

So, if I understand this correctly, the A400M has been in service for 11 years but is still undergoing certification?

Does this 2022 link have any relevance?
or
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They are expanding it in various ways, yes.

As is the B-52 - 70 years after entering operational service.....

Every time an aircraft gets a new role or new equipment it has to be tested and certified, no matter how old or long in service.

https://theaviationist.com/2023/06/0...-new-agilepod/

"...On Feb. 22, 2023, test pilots with the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron completed the initial flight test of the AgilePod on the B-52. Since then, the same unit has carried out additional multiple ground and flight tests to the pod, ensuring operational capability and integration...."