HC Deb 19 September 2002 vol 390 cc325-6W
Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the German commitment to the A400M project; what problems have been encountered with compatibility with the C-130; and what the capability of the aircraft is. [72535]

Dr. Moonie

We have been assured by the German Government of their continued commitment to the A400M project. We hope very much that Germany will secure all outstanding parliamentary approvals at the earliest opportunity so that we may press ahead with this important collaborative project.

Our C-130J and A400M aircraft will fulfil complementary roles; we do not anticipate any compatibility issues. The A400M will be a strategic transport asset, capable of carrying a maximum payload of 32 tonnes for a nominal distance of 2,300 nautical miles non-stop. This capability exceeds significantly that provided by the C-130K aircraft it will replace.

The A400M will have advanced avionics and mission systems, allowing the aircraft to be operated by a three man crew.

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