Airbus is preparing to ditch its A400M

[expat]

Looks like it may not be staying in the air much longer.

Airbus is preparing to ditch its A400M

Matt

[gtirob01]

I sense an increase in C-17 and C-130 orders! Seriously tho, the A400 isnt really necessary with the C-17 and C-130 around.

[C]

Seriously tho, the A400 isnt really necessary with the C-17 and C-130 around.

Apart from for those nations needing bigger capacity than the Herc, and who can't afford huge C-17 fleets.

Seems like the winners here will be the numerous (interesting) companies operating the big old Russian stuff - the Il-76s and the like one sees plodding around the world on military charter.

[C]

As for cancelling the A400M, it'd be a disaster, and leave the bulk of AT fleets still relying on a basic design conceived in 1951.

Much as the C-130 is and has been very good, new blood is needed in the market, particularly for those who can't afford/don't do the US enough favours (such as Qatar) to get the C-17.

[DaveSims]

As for cancelling the A400M, it'd be a disaster, and leave the bulk of AT fleets still relying on a basic design conceived in 1951.

Much as the C-130 is and has been very good, new blood is needed in the market, particularly for those who can't afford/don't do the US enough favours (such as Qatar) to get the C-17.

Despite the -130 being a 50 year old design, it is still one of the best in its market.  The new J models with the updated engines and glass cockpits are still very competitive with the newer aircraft.   There is also the value of knowing it is a tried and true design.  I know if I buy a -130, it will still be flying 50 years from now, and there will be plenty of parts for it if I need them.  Some of the newer aircraft, especially composite aircraft, you can't say that about.

[C]

[quote]
Despite the -130 being a 50 year old design, it is still one of the best in its market.

[OVERLORD_CHRIS]

I sense an increase in C-17 and C-130 orders! Seriously tho, the A400 isn't really necessary with the C-17 and C-130 around.

Except that most people that need a replacement for there C-130's can't afford the $200 million C-17, and want something bigger then the C-130 for a new plane. Even the USAF wants something bigger then the C-130 but smaller then the C-17 to flex it airlift capability. And when US Congress, herd the USAF was looking into the A400M, they pressured Lockheed Martian into coming up with the C-130XL to compete with the A400M...and keep sales from going to Airbus. 
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/20 ... fight.html
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/de ... 270106593e

That means it is all up to Embraer KC-390 now.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embraer_KC-390

[Ivan]

If there isnt some politician taking the bait, they probably start begging in kiev to get the old design back as that one is already flying around.
For people who don't know this:
The A400M was a joint russian-eu thing, then they got angry at each other and went their own way... An-70 and A400M

[Rich H]

How much will Airbus have lost through the A400M programme? I guess EADS has plenty in reserves.

[C]

How much will Airbus have lost through the A400M programme? I guess EADS has plenty in reserves.

They won't lose anything. I'd be exceptionally surprised if it was canned, purely due to the loss of face for all involved.