The investigation into what brought down a brand new Airbus A400M last week is in full swing and families are still mourning the loss of loved ones; but, in the world of military aviation, tough conversations are always on the table. Death is a constant companion in this business, and while everyone does their best to mitigate risk, occasionally the unthinkable happens.
The extent of what we do know about the incident at this point isn’t much, but according to industry sources, Airbus has ordered checks on all A400M engines. We also know that media flights aboard a French A400M for the upcoming Paris Air Show were canceled.
The recent crash occurred shortly after takeoff and involved an A400M ready for delivery to the Turkish Air Force. The incident has given the already troubled program another black eye. What will be the outcome? It’s too early to tell, but at the very least, conversations amongst military and government leaders in nations already signed on to purchase the Atlas must be ramping up for potential stopgaps or alternate solutions.
One potential solution to the problem is the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, which would give more cargo capability at roughly the same price (with training and logistics factored in). The C-17 has a proven track record with multiple customers, but it seems an unlikely or cost-effective solution (FY12 flyaway cost $256m) for European customers signed up for the Airbus product due to the upcoming shut down of Boeing’s Long Beach production facility.
Another possible stopgap would be the Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules. With the J-model Herc, you lose half of the cargo capability, but you are also paying less than half the price (FY14 flyaway cost $66.27m) . The Super Herc seems like a perfect solution with outstanding reliability and a production line ready to go.
A third and more likely outcome seems to be grandstanding by international customers and not much else. This lends itself to the line of thought that European (Only one non-Euro customer, Malaysia, to date) nations are trying to stay away from buying American (especially Boeing).
It’s the only logical conclusion based on cost and how well the C-130 and C-17 have performed historically, and with nowhere near the production delays and cost increases. The decision to stick with the A400M through all the issues certainly shows loyalty, but certainly defies logic. Then again, we all know that common sense gets thrown out the window when politics are involved.
Another Black Eye For Airbus
![Another Black Eye For Airbus](https://i0.wp.com/cms.sofrep.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/A400M-TuAF-FF51366.jpg?fit=3409%2C2268&ssl=1&w=800)
More from SOFREP
Most Read
Trump Assassination Attempt: Navy SEAL Sniper’s After Action Report
![Trump Assassination Attempt: Navy SEAL Sniper’s After Action Report](https://i0.wp.com/cms.sofrep.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Trump.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1&resize=400,220)
Navy SEALs Secure Major Legal Victory Against Biden’s COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate
![Navy SEALs Secure Major Legal Victory Against Biden’s COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate](https://i0.wp.com/cms.sofrep.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Trident.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1&resize=400,220)
SOFREP Pic of the Day: Blackwater Bird Strike
![SOFREP Pic of the Day: Blackwater Bird Strike](https://i0.wp.com/cms.sofrep.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BirdStrike.jpeg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1&resize=400,220)
Fifteen Nigerian Soldiers Die in Bloody Border Fight
![Fifteen Nigerian Soldiers Die in Bloody Border Fight](https://i0.wp.com/cms.sofrep.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Nigerien-soldier.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1&resize=400,220)
Geo Hand’s Delta Force Tales – Green Beret Medics
![Geo Hand’s Delta Force Tales – Green Beret Medics](https://i0.wp.com/cms.sofrep.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Special-Forces-scaled.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1&resize=400,220)
Boeing to Develop Advanced E-7 Aircraft Under New Air Force Contract
![Boeing to Develop Advanced E-7 Aircraft Under New Air Force Contract](https://i0.wp.com/cms.sofrep.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/E-7A-Wedgetail.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1&resize=400,220)
Recent Comments
Join SOFREP Team Room for Insider Access and Analysis
Your Subscription Supports our Veteran Staff
SUBSCRIBE NOWVETERAN-FRIENDLY COMPANIES
Barrett Firearms
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
- [email protected]
- 615-896-2938
- Visit Website
- PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Pyramyd Air
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
- [email protected]
- 888-262-4867
- Visit Website
- 5135 Naiman Parkway Solon, OH 44139
RecPak
RecPak is a meal replacement for the outdoors that saves you weight, space and time in the most challenging environments, just add water.
- [email protected]
- Visit Website
- P.O. Box 378 Red Hook, New York 12571 United States
COMMENTS
There are on this article.
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.