Airbus Defence and Space has started final assembly of the German Air Force’s (Luftwaffe) first A400M Atlas next-generation military transport aircraft.
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The assembly of the aircraft, designated MSN18, commenced with the arrival of all major structures, including fuselage at the company’s final assembly line (FAL) in Seville, Spain.
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Around 60 A400M next-generation airlifters were initially ordered by Germany in November 2010, but the number was later reduced to 53, including seven options, due to budgetary constraints.
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In addition to this, Germany expressed plans to sell 13 of the aircraft it has committed to purchase from Airbus to foreign customers in a bid to further reduce the programme costs.
Designated as a tactical airlifter with strategic capabilities, the A400M can also be configured to perform long-range cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), and aerial refuelling and electronic surveillance missions.
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Capable of carrying more than 100 fully equipped troops or a 30t payload, the aircraft features a six-wheel, high-flotation main landing gear, and short soft-field landing and takeoff capability, enabling troop and equipment transportation to Mali or Afghanistan.
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Apart from Germany, the four-EuroProp TP400-D6 turboprop engines powered aircraft has also been ordered by the air forces of Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Spain, Turkey and the UK.
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Delivery of the first aircraft to the German Air Force is scheduled to take place in November 2014.
Image: German Air Force’s first A400M aircraft’s fuselage and nose in the A400M FAL in Spain. Photo: © Airbus Defence and Space.