DATE:05/11/09
SOURCE:Flight International
South Africa cancels order for eight A400M transports
By Craig Hoyle

The EADS-led A400M airlifter has suffered its first orders blow since the programme ran into development difficulties, with South Africa having cancelled its order for eight of the aircraft.

Confirmed on 5 November, South Africa's decision comes after deliveries of the Airbus Military product have fallen around three years behind schedule.

The South African government says the decision was taken during a meeting in Cape Town on 4 November, and that its action was informed by an extensive review into the troubled acquisition.


© Airbus Military
South Africa was to have received eight A400Ms, starting from 2010


"The termination of the contract is due to extensive cost escalation and the supplier's failure to deliver the aircraft within the stipulated timeframes," the government says in a statement.

"Cabinet believes that the interests of the South African taxpayer will be best served by not proceeding with the contract," it continues, adding that state-owned armaments company Armscor "will be instructed to terminate the programme as soon as possible".

South Africa intends to claim R2.9 billion ($379 million) in compensation, it adds.

South Africa ordered the A400M to replace its air force's aged fleet of eight Lockheed Martin C-130Bs. First delivery had been scheduled to take place in 2010.

Airbus Military launched the A400M programme with an order for 180 aircraft from Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Turkey and the UK. South Africa's cancellation decision slashes its export commitments for the type to four aircraft for Malaysia.

"Airbus is surprised by the announcement by the government of South Africa to cancel its order for eight A400Ms," the company says. "We very much regret such an announcement, especially at a time where the programme is making very good progress towards first flight before the end of this year. Airbus Military is now studying the possible financial impact."

Additional reporting by Max Kingsley-Jones in Toulouse
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/11/05/334426/south-africa-cancels-order-for-eight-a400m-transports.html

Thunder Supports Rafale

http://rafale.freeforums.org
http://rafale.freeforums.org/rafale-vs-f-16-aerodynamics-compared-t69.html

So should everyone else..

---

On 12 June 1992, a Greek Mirage F-1C crashed during a dogfight with a Turkish F-16 piloted by Capt. Ilhan Filiz.

On 8 October 1996, a Greek Mirage-2000 piloted by Thanos Grivas shot down a Turkish F-16D with a Magic IR missile.

Just two days after that murder, on 10 October 1996 a Greek Mirage-2000 crashed close to Semadirek island after a dogfight with two Turkish F-16s.

Point of the story is: TUAF saved itself two missiles.

Ouch. The A400M will turn out to be a success though, too many nations need it.



When I was young I used to pray for a bike, then I realized that God doesn't work that way, so I stole a bike and prayed for forgiveness.

I mean, of course, that it i s not good to see your exports
prospects slashed by two thirds, lol , but there are at least
four major countries getting it for their airforces so...

Speak softly and carry a big stick.

If the alliance does a good job, the A400M can have a lifespan of 50 years just like the Hercules. So, this little setback is insignificant in the grander scheme of things. But then again, every member of the alliance should fully back this project. Otherwise it could turn out ugly.



When I was young I used to pray for a bike, then I realized that God doesn't work that way, so I stole a bike and prayed for forgiveness.

if. But so true!
Let's paraphrase that :

Eads/Airbus is now just a few ( new ) KEPT promises away from
success! Good luck!

Speak softly and carry a big stick.

Wise move from South Africans, hope Turkey follow them and opt for something more realistic, EADS is just a joke..


For Turks, the homeland isn't Turkey, nor yet Turkistan. Their country is a vast, eternal land: Turan!
-Ziya Gokalp-

but Bro, Turkey is planning to order 10+4 more A-400M to integrate Aselsan Elint/Sigint devises on them to perform jamming missions on air...

though european aviation projects looks disastrous, it wouldnt be wise to leave the project now.

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one is allowed to sh.t on European aviation but isn't it strange that,
not only do the Americans have trouble putting out the F-35 in time,
but what was the name of that last great mili plane produced
autonomously by Turkey?

Speak softly and carry a big stick.

As much as i am critical of L-M and Boeing i will be critical of EADS/Airbus for the very same reasons.

We have to accept that Europe can sometimes screw the pooch too and make sure it doesn't happen, europe can't afford pouring liquid gold on bad design management programes.

Thunder Supports Rafale

http://rafale.freeforums.org
http://rafale.freeforums.org/rafale-vs-f-16-aerodynamics-compared-t69.html

sorry dude, but that has hothing to do with the capabilities of the turkish industry.

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it sound like that, tigintimur.
If Turkey does not get the A400M and since you do not
make the equivalent product yourselves,
you would have to get Russian or American planes.
Let's bar Russia; we are left with the old Hercs or their
possible future spin-off.
I have no problem with you being disgruntled by the on-going
saga but it does not warrant statements as
"though european aviation projects looks disastrous".
The plural is highly questionable here.

Of course, in the particular instance ( 1 ) of the A400M,
EADS managed to earn your criticism.

Let's hope they get back on track in every party's interest!

Speak softly and carry a big stick.

dude, airbus 350 and nh-90 projects don't go well too. we are also partner of airbus-350.

-----------------------------

and what about the 787? its also a whole desaster...isn't it?

right on Rusizi. See tigintimur, at present time, every plane under
development, mili or civilian is off-course somewhat.
I would credit most of that to modernity which has accustomed us
to being pelted b.llsh.t by companies so openly that almost no one
flinches when some guy or ad claims world-leadership in as yet
undeveloped technologies.
I also feel doubtful to any multiple partners/multiple clients cooperative
association type structure ( NAHEMA in the NH-90 case ) and i suggest
that you take this habit i grew of adding x.5 to their cost and time
predictions for every unnecessary glitch you may notice in such said
structures next time you hear of one being set-up.
A wide scope appraisal does not warrant specific problems being
faulted to European aviation.
Plus, as you mentioned, your country is in there, relatively close to
being in there even more, who knows?
And as you guys make up your A-400Ms, you may yet show a better
way which is a spin-off in such situations.

Let's hope this bird ULTIMATELY ( you know, in time lol ) lives up
to its promises for the benefit of all involved.

Speak softly and carry a big stick.