Airbus Defence and Space has recently concluded a successful two-week flight-test campaign for its A400M Roll-on/Roll-off firefighting prototype kit. The campaign, conducted in south-western and central Spain, showcased the prototype’s ability to drop 20,000 liters of retardant, creating high concentration lines over 400 meters long on the ground.
Photo: Airbus
Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Air Systems at Airbus Defence and Space, highlighted the advancements, stating, “We have tested a new version of the kit, improving dropping efficiency and reducing discharge time by over 30% compared to last year, while combined with rapid deployment and easy installation on the A400M aircraft. We continue to pioneer new solutions and capabilities for our A400M fleet, in this case protecting populations and natural environments from fires.”
The roll-on/roll-off kit is an easy-to-install solution that doesn’t require any modification to the aircraft. It is interchangeable across the entire A400M fleet. The water or retardant is stored in a tank in the cargo hold of the aircraft, and by using a mechanical lever, a door is opened to allow the liquid to flow out of the aircraft through a discharge pipe. The current design of the prototype is capable of dropping 20,000 liters in a single discharge.
The tanks can be filled in less than 10 minutes using standard high-pressure pumps on the ground. The A400M’s unique capability to take off and land on short and unpaved runways enhances its versatility, enabling operations from a wide range of air bases and airfields.
Throughout the campaign, the 43rd Firefighting Squadron of the Spanish Air Force provided technical advice, ensuring that this firefighting capability in the A400M proves operationally valuable for any potential operator.
In a significant milestone in July 2022, Airbus tested a removable firefighting demonstrator kit on the A400M for the first time. The conclusion was that the A400M firefighting kit offers additional capabilities not available on the market, thanks to its high-dropping capacity, high maneuverability meeting the latest safety standards, day and night operation, and the potential to convert any regular A400M in any fleet to a firefighting aircraft at very short notice.
The successful flight-test campaign marks a crucial step forward, not only in enhancing firefighting capabilities but also in ensuring the adaptability and efficiency of Airbus’ military aircraft for diverse mission profiles.
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