Дата: 25-07-18 11:23

Airbus considers A320neo multi-mission version: the A320M3A

Based on experience in military conversions, Airbus says its best-selling jetliner – the A320neo – is being considered for new applications: as a highly-capable and cost-effective platform for ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) duties and as a military transport.

Airbus considers A320neo multi-mission version: the A320M3A
Image: Airbus

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The variant – A320M3A – would be designed to fulfill a range of ISR roles, particularly maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare. It also can be outfitted with modular roll-on/roll-off payloads for airlift missions ranging from carrying passengers, troops and VIPs to medical evacuation (medevac) and transporting cargo.

According to Airbus, consideration of the A320M3A comes in response to market demand, spurred by the growing use of more capable ISR systems – which require physically larger host platforms with increased electrical power and more efficient cooling systems than previously were the case for C4ISR aircraft.  

In line with that, the plane maker maintains that one of the biggest applications of the A320M3A is for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare, with countries in Europe and elsewhere seeking replacements for ageing aircraft – many of which will be encouraged to develop fleet commonality driven by the intensive growth of joint operations with member nations of NATO.

Advantages in utilizing the new engine option (NEO) version of the A320 commercial jetliner include an extensive capability for growth in a fuselage cross-section that is wider than its competitor in the same size category, the long range and endurance, as well as the lowest operational and life-cycle costs in its class. Other advantages for the A320M3A are the aircraft’s high reliability (proven in airline service), and the resources of an established worldwide supply chain and training network.

The plane maker presents the A320M3A as a low-risk solution, building on the company’s proven capabilities in producing military derivatives of its commercial aircraft – such as the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), which is in use by military services around the globe. Needless to say, the suggested conversion of the A320neo is still in the proposal stages.


Джерело інформації: AeroTime

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