Airbus - Corporate Information - People and organisation

Building on its civil aircraft manufacturing experience, technological leadership and commercial know-how, Airbus is has moved into the military marketplace.

Airbus, with a 64 per cent shareholding, is the largest shareholder in Airbus Military SL, a stand-alone company responsible for overall management, marketing and support of the A400M. The other shareholders are EADS-CASA of Spain, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and FLABEL of Belgium.

The A400M continues the Airbus tradition of using advanced technologies to deliver a distinct competitive edge.

Airbus has been sub-contracted by Airbus Military to manage the overall development phase of the programme, including technical and industrial leadership.

The seven launch nations for the A400M are Belgium (7), France (50), Germany (60), Luxembourg (1), Spain (27), Turkey (10) and the United Kingdom (25). Both South Africa and Malaysia have also placed orders for eight and four aircraft respectively.

More on the A400M

Airbus has a significant role in the manufacture of the Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. This aircraft offers new solutions to fulfill the different needs of the world’s air forces for tanker/transport aircraft, based on two successful Airbus platforms, the A330-200 and the A310-300. Highly successful European technology is integrated into both airframes to produce cutting-edge military aircraft of this type.

The A330 MRTT is based on the latest medium to long-range, twin-aisle, commercial aircraft of the Airbus fly-by-wire family. The huge basic fuel capacity of the standard A330-200 means that no additional capacity is needed to give air-to-air refuelling performance that far exceeds its nearest competitors. It can be fitted with a variety of refuelling options, from a new air refuelling boom system developed by EADS or two wing pods, to a combination of wing pods and a centre fuselage-refuelling unit (hose and drogue) and/or boom system.

Due to enter service in 2009, the A330 MRTT offers the best value for money, at a competitive price, in terms of state-of-the art technology available today, with potential for growth, in a long-term scenario. It is a top-class candidate for the next large tanker requirements and is being assessed for future programmes, not only in Europe but also in Asia, the Middle East and in North America.

For the latest news on the A330-based MRTT, click here.

For more information, on the MRTT programme, click here.






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