Airbus transforms a military aircraft into a water bomber

Following testing, Airbus plans to commercialize its fire-fighting kit.

Airbus experimented in Spain with an A400M transformed into a water bomber. The aircraft was equipped with two tanks connected to pipes for water expulsion.

“Conducted during the day, these tests involved dropping up to 20 tons of water from the tank in less than ten seconds, at low altitude (150 feet / 45 meters) and low speed (125 knots / 230 km/h),” explains Airbus in its release.

This first series of tests, carried out with the support of the 43rd Squadron of the Spanish Air Force, has fully satisfied Airbus, which is now about to evaluate the effectiveness of its A400M water bomber at night. Ultimately, the manufacturer plans to sell a series version of its fire-fighting kit.

A military aircraft sufficiently maneuverable for this type of mission

The Airbus A400M is usually used to transport military equipment and soldiers. Despite its size, it would be sufficiently maneuverable to support air tankers, which carry a much smaller water tank (6,000 liters). Additionally, this aircraft can land on unpaved surfaces. It could therefore land on sand and reload its tanks with seawater.

According to Airbus, installing this removable kit requires no modifications to the aircraft. The operation would be quick and easy to carry out.

“We are firmly convinced that the A400M can play a leading role in the fight against the growing threat of wildfires, as well as in the preservation of ecological systems,” declared Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space.

The A400M could be particularly useful at night when the Canadairs can no longer operate. However, it also has its weaknesses. Less precise in water drop operations, it is also more challenging to refuel, since it cannot scoop water in flight like a Canadair.

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