The UK is buying 22 A400M aircraft to replace the RAF’s existing Hercules fleet. The aircraft will provide tactical (intra-theatre) and strategic (inter-theatre) airlift capability.
Versatility is the characteristic that best describes the A400M, it being conceived with both tactical and strategic capability. With a payload of up to 37 tonnes over ranges of up to 4700 nm, the A400M is designed to carry a huge variety of loads and vehicles in service with the launch nations, provide a comprehensive medical capability and serve as an aerial delivery platform.
The A400M programme is a European collaboration. Multi national aspects of the A400M project are managed by OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Cooperation en metiere d'ARment / Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation). The Development and Production Contract is to deliver a total of 180 aircraft to six launch nations: Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Turkey and UK.
The through-life A400M Team works closely with OCCAR, industry and other stakeholders. The team's structure will evolve post delivery, reflecting the change in emphasis from entry-into-service to through-life support and operations. Contractor Logistic Support will be delivered through a Joint Contract between UK and France.
The team's objective is to deliver the agreed requirements and levels of UK A400M capability and to further develop A400M to its full operating capability, within cost and time approvals.
To develop the in-service support solution to enable initial contract signature by end of 2011 to meet the French acceptance of their first aircraft.
To ensure arrangements are in place to ensure smooth entry into service and ensure delivery of military capability in line with defence requirements.
Page updated 14 March 2011