AVALON, Australia — The British Royal Air Force is now expanding its Airbus A400M Atlas roles into the tactical environment, following recent upgrades to the heavy airlifter's capabilities.
Speaking at the 2017 Australian International Airshow at Avalon on Wednesday, the commanding officer of the RAF’s first operational A400M unit, Wing Commander Simon Boyle, said that after months of using the aircraft in the strategic transport role, operations are now increasingly moving into the tactical arena.
Boyle described the A400M's entry into service as "challenging," but he said the aircraft is at the heart of the United Kingdom’s air mobility capability.
"The entry into service of any complex project is a challenge. It has been difficult, and 2016 has been a challenging year," he said. "But I definitely see a positive trajectory and I say that as an operator of the aircraft."
The RAF has taken delivery of 14 of the 22 A400Ms on order, and the final aircraft is due to be delivered in late 2018 or early 2019. The service has been operating the aircraft extensively in the strategic airlift role, while it awaited the software upgrades and certification of some of the tactical roles.
One of the upgraded aircraft is on display at Avalon, after flying to the show via the U.S. and New Zealand. Boyle described the aircraft's capability as "theater entry" standard, which includes the latest mission software, cockpit armor, fuel tank inerting systems and large aircraft infrared counter measures.
"The indications are that the aircraft will perform very well in the tactical role, particularly on unprepared runways. We are starting to understand how good the aircraft could be in the tactical environment," he said.
Following its presence during the trade days at the show, the aircraft will visit several countries in southeast Asia — including Indonesia, which has indicated interest in purchasing a number of A400Ms — before returning to the U.K. via the Middle East.
"It really feels like we are getting the kind of momentum that we would like to see. In spite of the challenges, we can safely say that the A400M has global reach, and one of the purposes of this visit is to stretch the aircraft's legs," Boyle said.
Nigel Pittaway is the Australia correspondent for Defense News.
