The response: The A400M

Typical Missions

There is no such thing as a 'standard mission'. However, many of of the A400M's capabilities, both logistic and tactical, can be demonstrated through the use of generic deployment scenarios. . .

Scenario: Rapid Reaction Force Deployment

Imagine a Rapid Reaction Force needs to be swiftly flown from Europe to, say, the Gulf area. It consists of air mobile brigade troops with additional fire support, helicopters and two fighter squadrons is deployed. In all, 7,200 personnel, 2,500 wheeled and tracked vehicles (including artillery and light armour), 23 helicopters and support material for 24 fighter aircraft are required. The total force of over 17,000 tonnes of equipment is to be flown to the Gulf within 15 days using 50 A400M transports. All of this equipment can be ready to operate in half a day.

A number of A400Ms are also to be rapidly converted into tankers to support the deployed fighter aircraft.

The A400M can do all this, efficiently.

Scenario: Humanitarian Aid

Imagine a typhoon in Timor has created a major disaster, and direct aid is needed. The A400M is the perfect vehicle to perform such a mission and 20 are available within the European air forces.

Slip crews are positioned at suitable en-route stations. Within four days a European rescue force including engineers and aeromedical evacuation personnel is positioned in Australia and Timor.

A complete medical camp is set up within hours of landing, at the main airport in Dili or on a pre-surveyed natural surface strip further into the interior. Helicopters, transported complete or with their rotor blades removed, quickly start operations ferrying aid workers into the region and transferring casualties to the field hospital.

Operating out of Australia, A400Ms are used to airdrop supplies (tents, blankets, food and water) to isolated communities cut off by the disaster. These aircraft then land to evacuate injured refugees for longer-term medical treatment in Australia.

After 12 days the aircraft are needed elsewhere. A successful conclusion is achieved: 4,500 people rescued and the situation stabilised.