Magazine Says Country May Abandon Troubled Program

Things appear to be heading from bad to worse for the stillborn Airbus A400M turboprop. In development for over 20 years -- but encountering numerous difficulties in achieving first flight -- the European alternative to the erstwhile C-130 may soon lose a key international partner.

Citing a report in the German daily Der Spiegel, Reuters states German procurement officials may recommend that country's military abandon support for the A400M, unless Airbus and parent company EADS can explain how -- or if -- they can solve numerous problems with the troubled program.

As ANN reported, EADS announced in January a "new approach" for the A400M, telling its partner nations they must join together to "find a way forward" with the trouble-plagued aircraft. That way forward reportedly includes hitting up those nations for more money.

At the time, EADS also announced a three-year delay in first deliveries for the airlifter... which the company attributed to issues with the new TP400 turboprop engines. EADS has since taken flak for that explanation, however.

Enginemaker Safran disputed the assertion it was the TP400 causing problems in making the A400M fly... while last week, electronics provider Thales accused EADS and Airbus of hoarding cash received against orders for the airlifter, while at the same time begging for new development capital from the companies tasked with building the plane.

Despite the promise of 192 orders for the plane from seven European NATO countries, Thales CEO Denis Ranque made clear he intends to invest not another dime in the A400M, above and beyond what's written down on the existing contract. Also last week, a British parliamentary panel urged officials to consider pulling their support.

The German report marks the third time in a week a major partner in the A400M has expressed misgivings about the program... an ominous portent. A German Defense Ministry spokesman said talks are ongoing between officials and EADS to resolve the issues... but he pointedly noted "there are no contractual negotiations," according to the Der Spiegel report.

FMI: www.airbusmilitary.com