A400m New strategic and tactical airlifter for the RAF

[Andy ap]

Anyone got any views on the new aircraft to replace the venerable yet ageing Hercules, the Airbus A400m 'Grizzly'

Incredible looking machine but it will be sad to see the Herc retire like the Seaking. I suppose the Chinook wont be far behind either with the Osprey about. Anyway the A400M looks like a serious bit of kit able to carry a large payload and surprisingly far and fast too. Take a look at the engines in particular.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21650779



Edit: not just for the RAF i may add.

Edited by Andy ap on Thursday 24th October 12:38

[Andy ap]

Speed wise its also pretty quick for a turbo prob. I don't know the facts but at mach .72 it cant be far behind the C-17 (not that cruising speed makes much difference on a strategic airlifter). Having watched some videos and read a little about the aircraft it also looks pretty agile. On one of its demonstration flights almost inverting (although that may be the camera) on an Immelman turn.

I do agree its probably way to expensive for its purpose and will more than likely be highly protected from getting it into any highly dangerous situations.