Aircraft
Airbus Demonstrates A400M Firefighting Capability
Airbus has engineered a fully roll-on, roll-off solution that can turn any A400M into a firefighter without modification.
Watched from a CASA Aviojet, an Airbus trials A400M releases 20 tonnes of water from 150ft in less than 10 seconds. (Photo: Airbus SAU 2022-Adrián Molinos-Mango)
Watched from a CASA Aviojet, an Airbus trials A400M releases 20 tonnes of water from 150ft in less than 10 seconds. (Photo: Airbus SAU 2022-Adrián Molinos-Mango)

Airbus has successfully demonstrated the potential of the A400M airlifter in an aerial firefighting role. Flown over three days in July, the trials were undertaken over open land near the town of Guadalajara, to the northeast of Madrid. In the daylight tests the A400M demonstrated the ability to release up to 20 tonnes of water in less than 10 seconds. The aircraft’s low-speed maneuverability and low-flying characteristics allowed the final drop on July 21 to be conducted at a speed of 125 knots and an altitude of 150 ft.