Airbus Military Poised For First Flight This Week

[straitman]

With Rolls-Royce producing the engine, and Dowty the eight blade prop, making it the most powerful turbo-prop in the world, two of these engines could power a 737, 320 size craft.
Imagine a new generation of 180 pax sized plane, built using the latest light weight products, fitted out internally in say 32" pitch with seat back screens, and power jacks, competing with the "jets" on mainline routes, probably adding about 5 mins to a SYD/BNE sector(turbo props don't require long take-offs, or landings). Savings thru fuel, etc.,could take 40% off costs, and best of all, they would not be worried by curfews.
Will it happen ? who knows................

Cheers Dee

I suspect not due to the cruising speed of a prop aircraft being so relatively low. (...and often so much noisier)

 

[straitman]

Critical Talks With Industry Loom On A400M

Critical Talks With Industry Loom On A400M

Jan 19, 2010


By Douglas Barrie

LONDON — European Partner governments and industry will meet within the next week or so to try to hammer out a deal on the Airbus Military A400M airlifter, following the governments reaching broad agreement on a collective position Jan. 14.

Quentin Davies, the British minister for defense equipment and support, says that the London meeting “achieved a wide measure of agreement” among the partner states as to their negotiating position.

 

[Dee Thom]

I suspect not due to the cruising speed of a prop aircraft being so relatively low. (...and often so much noisier)

Bill, I had a quick check on the new RR motors, and Airbus claim near jet class speed, also the A400m is pressurised, and can cruise at 25K plus, maybe one of the LCCs that seem to be in abundance in our area, could utilise the cost savings to drop seat prices even further ? But, I still love the sound of spinning turbines beneath the wings....................

Cheers Dee

 

[straitman]

Bill, I had a quick check on the new RR motors, and Airbus claim near jet class speed, also the A400m is pressurised, and can cruise at 25K plus, maybe one of the LCCs that seem to be in abundance in our area, could utilise the cost savings to drop seat prices even further ? But, I still love the sound of spinning turbines beneath the wings....................

Cheers Dee

Dee Thom,

Thanks for the prompt and I am glad you have answered your own question because I forgot. Sorry.

I have spent too many hours in early (pre J model) C130s to enjoy the sound of spinning turbines beneath the wings....................

 

[markis10]

I have spent too many hours in early (pre J model) C130s to enjoy the sound of spinning turbines beneath the wings....................

At least you dont have to worry about recliners in front of you , although the restroom leaves a bit to be desired, web seats on a C130E are like travelling in J compared to sitting in a DHC4 for four hours doing low level patrols over the rigs in bass strait, give me a SR76 anyday