The a400M

[may18]

The uk has committed itself to the a400M, expected around 2011

Does it seem a little undersized to anyone else?. The c-17 which we lease seems to be a better option
_____
A400M
_________
Max. Payload = 32 tonnes @ 2.25g

Range @ Max. Payload = 2580nm

Cruise Speed Range (M = Mach No.) = 0.68 - 0.72 M

Overall Dimensions
Length = 42.2 Metres
Height = 14.7 Metres
Span = 42.4 Metres

Cargo Box
Length = 17.71 Metres
Height = 3.85 Metres
Width = 4.00 Metres

UNIT Cost $104M plus development costs
_____

C-17

General characteristics / technical performance
Payload, outsize loads up to 164,900lbs over a range of 2,500nm.

Cruise Speed (M = Mach No.) = 0.74 M.

Aircraft Length 174ft, Height 55ft and Wing Span 169ft.

Cargo Box
- Length = 20.78 metres (68ft 2in)
- Height = 3.76 metres (12ft 4in)
- Width = 5.49 metres (18ft)

Payload 76,644 kilos

Unit Cost: $236.7 million


______________

so that means

the a400m could carry 4 scimitars or 1 warrior

the c-17 could carry 9 scimitars, 3 warriors at a push

surely with the costs of the a400m set to rise, the c-17 would have been a better option?

am i missing something?

[voodoo sprout]

The C17 probably would have been better, but you don't honestly expect us to buy an American aircraft when we can go singing and dancing with our European chums atop an integrated trans-European project which will protect, erm... French jobs?

EDIT: Looking at it, it seems the A400 can't carry a Challenger, but the C17 can?

[may18]

Nod the c-17 can carry a challenger just about

development costs for the a400m are 2b for the uk

for thats a total cost of 4.5B for 25 a400m

for that cost we could have bought 20 c-17 and had double the capacity.

Doesnt make sense, but im no expert maybee im missing something great about the a400m

[Spannerman]

When the politicians decide who the procurement chiefs are and what they can all get out of it for themselves no wonder we get ripped off. I wonder how many of these people tip off their relatives and friends to buy shares in a particular company.

2 + 2 = 5 as far as these cruds are concerned or am I being too cynical?

[Tab]

Forget what is the best option, that counts for nothing, the A400M was purchased in a political deal with the French. It is not what is best for forces it what Mr Blair can get the most Browine points in looking more european.

[chunky from york]

Well the older I get the more I realise what a bunch of brown nosing barstewards every single politician is. Anyone who WANTS to be a politician should be automatically barred.

[Batfink]

Its all about the politics!

George Burns:
Too bad that all the people who really know how to run the country are busy driving taxi cabs and cutting hair

[Darren]

interesting note in flight a few months ago a few naions who were expected to announce rders for C130J at Paris have delayed decisions for a few years. The author hinted it was to see how A400m worked out and that lockheed is worried.
If it is a better tactical lifter than the C130 excellent I'm sure we could find buyers for the C4/C5's. But I think a couple of Sqns of C17's would give us a very nice capability to project our forces.
proposal
2 sqns totalling 24 C17
4 Sqns totalling 48 C130 C4/C5 or A400m which ever is better