As per recent updates, the first operational clearance for low-level parachuting from the A400M is expected to be granted in April 2023.
The upcoming clearance will expand the capabilities of the aircraft.
Alex Chalk, Minister of State for the Ministry of Defence, said:
“On current planning, the first clearance for low-level parachuting is anticipated in April 2023. The aircraft is already cleared for high altitude parachuting.”
Low-level parachuting, typically performed at altitudes below 1,500 feet, requires a different set of skills and equipment compared to high-altitude jumps. The clearance process ensures that the aircraft meets all necessary safety and operational requirements for carrying out these specialised jumps.
Trials conducted in 2022
Last year, paratroopers made the first low-level parachute descents from the Royal Air Force’s A400M Atlas as the aircraft developed its tactical capabilities.
The Atlas will be the aircraft to deliver the military’s parachuting capability when the C-130J Hercules retires from RAF service in 2023.
Trials of parachuting from the Atlas have seen soldiers from Colchester-based 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team jumping onto Salisbury Plain.
That will be why C130 is finally being sold then. Can’t really see what C130 would bring to the party with fully operational A400M
It is available, it is in numbers, it is in service with 47 Sqn, and it is used to support DSF in various areas around the globe, simultaneously, which I believe just 22 Atlas will be unable to do AND carry out the other daily defence tasks of the RAFs ATF without something slipping by the wayside.
So for me, the usual do more, or the same, with less.
Now if they replaced with a decent number of Atlas at the same time I’d be more accepting, albeit the Atlas to my mind is too big for much of the SF work and, as said, in limited numbers already.
On parachuting in the SF community, be it HAHO, HALO, static line, whatever, I believe that task is pretty limited in scope already beyond the constant training for the Air Troops, and the Hercs are used more for transporting kit, stores, people, and vehicles, landing at asture locations, so the Atlas being cleared for drops does not change anything there if their use in that role is limited.
The use of an Atlas for the SD Flight also seems inappropriate, like using one of the QEC to intercept a Russian Frigate. Yes, you could use it, but it is sad if you have to and damning evidence of a lack of assets more suited.
Oh, and add the Atlas that will remain on standby for SPAG and the one in the Falklands, plus those in C&M. 22 suddenly seems very small indeed, even with the C17s and the Voyagers troop carrying role.
How many A400M do you think we need to replace C130?
I’ve no idea, I’m no expert on these things. You could base that on max lift, max range, and the other capabilities of Atlas that exceed the Hecules.
Or you could look at it as the aircraft can only be in one place at once, the demand on the RAF ATF is great, with DSF the priority demand of all, quite rightly.
We had 14 C130J for use by 47 Sqn and its SFF, which i believe expanded to most of the Sqn. How many were in daily use? 7? 8? Not sure.
9 or 10? Given some will be in C&M.
I hope the RAF does receive 6 more Atlas later this decade. Numbers would be up to 36. C117 and A400M. I agree with you and many others 30 is not enough. Great capabilities but more needed.
If I recall right, Spain dropped some slots off their order- might be able to pick them up for a bargain price from Airbus..?
You’d hope so Joe. 22 is too few for the varied commitments we have and, as others have also said who have worked with these aircraft, the Atlas is not suited to all the roles, so while more are welcome they are not ideal and DSF should have its own dedicated AC. They are one of our aces after all and in demand.
I would also like to retain the C130Js and operate a mixed fleet- but if we have to give one up then an increase in A400 order is an absolute necessity.
As you say, SF are something we brng to the party well, as is tactical/strategic airlift, and we cannot afford to be bringing less to the party than we currently do. Especially in light of the logistics and deployment lessons we are learning from watching Ukraine play out…
We were suppose to get more A400M as part of this cut but then Wallace over turned the idea.
But cutting an entire aircraft type is still a big saving and you would have to say what else you would want rid of to pay to keep C130.
The army getting smaller all the time, how much transport does it really need 😀
and if theyve got less transport then they cant all get transported quickly to where they need to be so the numbers can be reduced again….
A400 carrys more by weight and size , for a longer range at a higher speed…so technically they can get more transported faster and further
Increased weight and size is not always good. For SF work and on unprepared surfaces agility is the key. Currently, the SF guys rate the C-130J extremely highly, which can only be a positive.
😆 Lots if we are supposed to be more expeditionary! With assets throughout the Middle East, the SOB and SFAB deployed as well.
You cannot have enough enablers.
The speed at which the RAF has expanded the capabilities of A400M to fill the gap of C130 is impressive. The expanded capabilities does not make up for the drop in overall numbers though.
There were two Hercules flying over Kent yesterday evening, practically in tandem, one had the callsign Zorro 🤔
Looks like fun, seen this many times windsurfing in Poole harbour.
LINK
These people are NUTS, including our Airborne and DB. Nerves of steel.
Respect.
Not SF as such, but like the Pathfinders and 4/73, 148 are more than above the rest for me with special niche roles.
SBS was also based in Poole, they would often be seen as well riding RIBS with faces covered.
A friendly-looking bunch!
They still are. They’re FIC “Stealth Boats” and other craft look even more impressive.
I was never lucky enough to see them in the flesh. Perfect for fast interception.
https://www.baesystems.com/en-media/webImage/20210401084829/1434554679806.jpg
Me neither. And looked several times when we’ve visited Poole Yaught Club, but no luck.
There was a report on the Air Tanker contract and the fact the Surge Fleet/White are being used as Transport, and taken over some of the C130Js basic transport routes. we tend to forget those surge aircraft are no being used since Thomas Cook went bye bye
A400 is too expensive to operate for several light cargo. RAF needs a smaller plane to complement it. C-27J or C-295
Great news at last! About time.