More A400M problems…

I thought that most of the A400M problems were mainly program management and engine issues…now it seems that the plane may be significantly overweight by up to 12 tons.
It’s said that eventually some of that could be recouped. But the early aircraft might not be able to carry Germany’s Puma vehicle without substancial range restrictions. Officials are reluctant to carry out a major redesign because the program is already behind schedule and over cost.

(For those who say the US buys “inferior” aircraft becaus of a “buy in the USA” mentality…you might be interested in this passage…)

“Government officials indicate it is unlikely that Germany would reduce its A400M order in favor of other models, such as the C-130J or the C-17 that are being evaluated by the U.K., but mainly for political reasons.”

It seems all military aircraft purchases have a political element, no? 😀

Here’s the full story from Aviation Week…
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=awst&id=news/aw012609p2.xml&headline=Airbus’s%20A400M%20May%20Face%20Design%20Overhaul%20To%20Meet%20Performance%20Targets