‘Take-off!’, announces commander Dorian, pilot of the French Air and Space Force’s A400M aircraft. A few seconds later, the 8,250kW of power from each of its four engines propel it into the Australian sky.
It’s nine o’clock on a hot winter Tuesday morning at Darwin Air Base in northern Australia, and the French A400M is poised to execute a tactical flight as part of Pitch Black 2024. The exercise hosts perfect conditions with 20 allied countries partaking in joint missions, complemented by ample terrain for tactical training due to sparse population in the desert areas.
Crossing the enemy lines
Today, the A400M is engaged in a strike mission within enemy territory. “As part of the allied coalition, the aircraft will penetrate enemy lines and airdrop material by gravity,” explains commander Dorian. “We are verifying that our release methods, communication protocols, and a comprehensive range of tactical tools are compatible with those employed by our partners, including fighters, helicopters, and tankers.”
After achieving cruising speed and altitude, the flight heads towards enemy territory. The first hour aboard the A400M is uneventful, nearly akin to a commercial flight, as turbulence and turns are hardly felt.
Suddenly, the pilot initiates manoeuvres with turns reaching up to 120º, and the G-forces noticeably push down on our necks—a clear indicator that the operation is underway. The calm atmosphere has dissipated.
As fast as 300 knots, as low as 300 feet
The A400M rapidly descends, adeptly navigating low-level flying similar to that of a fighter aircraft, enabling avoidance of enemy attacks in hostile terrain. “We fly very, very low; we fly very, very fast to evade detection or any possible strikes,” states commander Dorian.
Cruising at 300 knots (555 km/h) and an altitude of just 300 feet (90 metres), the serenity of the initial hour is replaced by an intense operational environment. Left and right turns continue as the aircraft showcases remarkable agility in what commander Dorian describes as a “risky” operation.
In the cargo hold, military personnel sway with the fluctuations in altitude and speed. More seasoned individuals stare into the distance, as though it were an ordinary day, while newer members remain silent.
After evading initial threats, the A400M ventures deeper into enemy territory, where the Australian desert’s hills, rivers, and trees become distinct and tangible just meters away. The tactical loadmasters observe the terrain through A400M’s windows, carefully identifying drop-off points for the payload in support of ground forces.
Following coordination with the pilot, the loadmasters lower the ramp, allowing a rush of air into the cabin as they simulate the payload launch. A few moments later, this operation is replicated at a different ground support location.
After an hour of tactical flight and a successful mission, the A400M returns to the air base, escorted by two French fighter jets. Throughout the duration of Pitch Black 2024, the A400M is scheduled to execute two tactical flights weekly.
PÉGASE 2024: France’s major deployment in the Indo-Pacific
The French Air and Space Force has deployed throughout the Indo-Pacific region from both the east and west, collaborating with Spanish, German, and British forces. During this period, the French have utilized the A400M for logistics, tactical assignments, and search-and-rescue operations.
The A400M is aptly suited for the unique challenges of the Indo-Pacific region, capable of landing on unpaved runways as short as 750 meters, refueling fighter aircraft mid-flight, and executing low-altitude missions to infiltrate enemy territory.
General Guillaume Thomas, overseeing Pégase 2024, remarks, “Our A400M participates in highly intense missions. The aircraft is highly versatile, serving various mission types, making it a vital component of our defense strategy in the Indo-Pacific.”
Source: Airbus Defence and Space (2024-08-05)
