Aviation
Military /
Europe
military freighter
A400M starts to show corrosion, worrying pilots
Airbus A400M
Image: Airbus
Rafael Ramos
9/7/2022
The Airbus A400M military freighter has several qualities, such as its large size, like its civilian brother, the A380 and its powerful turboprop engines.
However, these characteristics can be a problem as the operating costs get higher as well. In fact, few countries operate the plane, being restricted to only 10 countries.
One more factor that could contribute to driving away more customers is the recent corrosion discovered on the plane. It's not the first time an Airbus aircraft has had the problem, as Qatar's A350 also suffers from it.
While the A350's corrosion appears to be more superficial, reports show that the A400M's may not be so straightforward. According to sources associated with the Royal Air Force (RAF), “between electrical connections, hydraulic joints, screws and brackets” are being affected. It’s a lot on the landing gear.”
“Corrosion was found in the landing gear bay during a routine inspection of some RAF aircraft. We are working closely with the British and a repair is now available and being applied to the planes to ensure their safe operation.”
Corrosion also showed up on old C-130 Hercules military freighters. However, corrosion on the A400M causes more concerns as it is a much newer aircraft.
Pilots are very unhappy, even claiming that the C-130 has been a war horse. They don't want the veteran's full retirement precisely because of these problems on the Airbus freighter. At least not until they get a better look at the plane's reliability.
This article contains information from Aviation Source.
Airbus A400M refueling 2 fighter jets
Image: Airbus
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Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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