Germany is to equip an operational subset of its Airbus Defence & Space A400M tactical transport fleet with self-protection equipment from Elbit Systems.
Announced by the European airframer on 6 June, the award will lead to the integration of directed infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) equipment on 23 of the Luftwaffe’s airlifters.
The installation is currently undergoing testing in Seville, Spain, using a German air force A400M. “Certification is scheduled for summer 2025,” Airbus’s defence unit says.
“The new DIRCM system will provide A400M crews with even greater protection during their missions around the world and expand the already broad range of applications for this exceptional aircraft,” says Gerd Weber, its head of the A400M programme.
“These 23 aircraft are used for tactical operations, including medical evacuation missions in crisis areas,” Airbus notes. “In contrast, the logistical variant of the A400M is deployed for standard operations such as long-range transport of troops, heavy armoured vehicles, helicopters or specialised civil engineering equipment.”
Germany’s order for the A400M totals 53 aircraft, making it the largest customer for the four-engined type. Aviation analytics company Cirium records 48 examples as in current operational use with the Luftwaffe.
Turret-housed DIRCM equipment will be installed by Airbus “during scheduled maintenance in Manching, southern Germany, as well as in Getafe and Seville, Spain”, the company says, with the fleet activity to be completed by 2032. Placed by Germany’s BAAINBw defence procurement body, the contract also covers the provision of “training, service bulletins and tools”.
Germany also late last year announced an order to integrate Elbit’s DIRCM technology with its air force’s three Airbus A350 VIP transports. That work is being performed by Lufthansa Technik, with completion scheduled by late 2029.
Germany is to equip an operational subset of its Airbus Defence & Space A400M tactical transport fleet with self-protection equipment from Elbit Systems.
Announced by the European airframer on 6 June, the award will lead to the integration of directed infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) equipment on 23 of the Luftwaffe’s airlifters.
The installation is currently undergoing testing in Seville, Spain, using a German air force A400M. “Certification is scheduled for summer 2025,” Airbus’s defence unit says.
“The new DIRCM system will provide A400M crews with even greater protection during their missions around the world and expand the already broad range of applications for this exceptional aircraft,” says Gerd Weber, its head of the A400M programme.
“These 23 aircraft are used for tactical operations, including medical evacuation missions in crisis areas,” Airbus notes. “In contrast, the logistical variant of the A400M is deployed for standard operations such as long-range transport of troops, heavy armoured vehicles, helicopters or specialised civil engineering equipment.”
Germany’s order for the A400M totals 53 aircraft, making it the largest customer for the four-engined type. Aviation analytics company Cirium records 48 examples as in current operational use with the Luftwaffe.
Turret-housed DIRCM equipment will be installed by Airbus “during scheduled maintenance in Manching, southern Germany, as well as in Getafe and Seville, Spain”, the company says, with the fleet activity to be completed by 2032. Placed by Germany’s BAAINBw defence procurement body, the contract also covers the provision of “training, service bulletins and tools”.
Germany also late last year announced an order to integrate Elbit’s DIRCM technology with its air force’s three Airbus A350 VIP transports. That work is being performed by Lufthansa Technik, with completion scheduled by late 2029.
Source link
Share This:
admin
Plan the perfect NYC Memorial Day weekend
Pack only what you need and avoid overpacking to streamline the check-in and security screening…
LA’s worst traffic areas and how to avoid them
Consider using alternative routes, such as Sepulveda Boulevard, which runs parallel to the 405 in…
UK will buy ‘at least a dozen’ F-35As to restore airborne nuclear deterrence role | News
The Royal Air Force (RAF) is to regain the ability to deploy nuclear weapons, with…
Sweden eyes extra capabilities for incoming Gripen E fighter | News
The Swedish air force is exploring the future introduction of additional capabilities for its Saab…
UK government examining competitive implications of Boeing-Spirit deal | News
UK competition regulators are reviewing potential concerns posed by Boeing’s planned acquisition of supplier Spirit…
Saudi Arabia’s Aramco splashes out on C-27J firefighting assets | News
Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco is to acquire two Leonardo C-27J transports, for use in…
Adaptable wings take shape on Airbus Citation test aircraft
Airbus’s UpNext division has shown off the initial installation of the ‘eXtra Performance Wing’ on…
Eurodrone could gain new missions and additional partners, Airbus says | News
The four-nation Eurodrone programme is nearing its critical design review (CDR) activity, as discussions continue…
Terma highlights role of its PIDS+ pylon in protecting Ukraine’s F-16s | News
Terma used the Paris air show to highlight its role in helping to protect the…
France declares full operational capability for A400M fleet | News
The French air force has announced achieving full operational capability (FOC) status with its Airbus…
EASA and IATA seek ICAO advancement of plan to combat navigation interference
Increasing interference to navigation satellite systems has spurred the creation of a joint plan to…
GCAP partners name industry joint venture Edgewing | News
The industrial joint venture responsible for the design and development of a next-generation fighter through…