Airbus A400M Wallpapers

Airbus A400M Aircraft - photo wallpapers: The Airbus A400M is a four-engine turboprop aircraft, designed by EADS (Airbus Military) to meet the demand of European nations for military airlift. Since its formal launch the aircraft has also been ordered by South Africa, Chile and Malaysia. Its maiden flight is scheduled for 1st quarter 2008. The project began as the Future International Military Airlifter (FIMA) group, set up in 1982 by Aerospatiale, British Aerospace, Lockheed and MBB to develop a replacement for the C-130 Hercules and C-160 Transall. Varying requirements and the complications of international politics caused slow progress. In 1989 Lockheed left the grouping and went on to develop a second generation Hercules, the C-130J. With the addition of Alenia and CASA the FIMA group became Euroflag.[br]The partner nations, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Belgium and Luxembourg, signed an agreement in May 2003 to buy 212 aircraft. These nations decided to charge OCCAR with the management of the acquisition of the A400M. Following the withdrawal of Italy and revision of procurement totals the revised requirement was for 180 aircraft, with first flight in 2008 and first delivery in 2009. On 28 April 2005, South Africa joined the partnership programme. The Airbus A400M will increase the airlift capacity and range compared to the aircraft it was originally set to replace, the older versions of the Hercules and Transall. Cargo capacity is expected to double over existing aircraft, both in payload and volume, and range is increased substantially as well. Just as Airbus' other aircraft, the A400M will have a full glass cockpit (all information accessed through large colour screens) and fly-by-wire and as such will represent a technological leap compared to the older C-130s and C-160s that many countries now operate. The Airbus A400M will operate in many configurations including cargo transport, troop transport, MEDEVAC, aerial refuelling and electronic surveillance.[br]The selection of EuroProp's engines represented a contentious issue; until the 11th hour, Pratt & Whitney Canada had been perceived as the winning engine manufacturer on technical and cost merit. However, intense last-minute pressure from European governments and industry altered Airbus' stance and forced them to go with EuroProp's proposal.[br]

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Airbus A400M Wallpapers @ Mega Wallpapers (08 Edition)
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