Getafe, Spain – 5 December 2023 – Airbus Defence and Space has successfully completed a new flight-test campaign for the A400M Roll-on/Roll-off firefighting prototype kit, effectively dropping 20,000 litres of retardant and establishing high concentration lines over 400 metres on the ground.
Over a two-week period, the A400M conducted a series of ground and flight tests across south-western and central Spain, completing six drops—three of which utilized red-coloured retardant and the other three water.
“We have tested a new version of the kit that enhances dropping efficiency and reduces discharge time by over 30% compared to last year. This, combined with rapid deployment and easy installation on the A400M aircraft, demonstrates our commitment to pioneering new solutions for our fleet,” stated Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Air Systems at Airbus Defence and Space. “This upgrade has the potential to significantly protect populations and natural environments from fires.”
An easy-to-install solution
The roll-on/roll-off firefighting kit is designed for quick deployment and does not require any modifications to the aircraft, allowing it to be interchanged across any A400M fleet. The water or retardant is stored in a tank within the aircraft’s cargo hold. When deploying, a mechanical lever opens a door, enabling the liquid to flow out of the aircraft via a gravity-operated discharge pipe. The prototype is capable of releasing a substantial 20,000 litres in a single operation.
Filling the tanks takes less than 10 minutes with standard high-pressure pumps on the ground. The A400M is known for its versatility, capable of taking off and landing on short and unpaved runways across a variety of air bases and airfields.
During this testing campaign, the 43rd Firefighting Squadron of the Spanish Air Force served as technical advisors, ensuring that the firefighting capabilities integrated into the A400M are of operational value to potential users.
Back in July 2022, Airbus had already tested a removable firefighting demonstrator kit on the A400M, establishing that this platform offers unique capabilities unmatched in the market, including high dropping capacity, exceptional manoeuvrability, compliance with the latest safety standards, and the ability to operate day and night. Notably, any A400M within a fleet can be rapidly converted into a firefighting aircraft with minimal lead time.
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Source: Airbus Defence and Space (2023-12-05)
