The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support and Lufthansa Technik have signed a contract regarding converting of two brand-new Airbus A321neoLR (Long Range) for the German Air Force.
The aircraft are scheduled to arrive at Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg in August and October 2021, where they will be equipped for various missions.
Delivery to the Luftwaffe is scheduled for 2022.
According to Lufthansa:
“Lufthansa Technik’s VIP & Special Mission Aircraft Services business unit will prepare the two aircraft for various types of missions such as troop transport and the MedEvac role (medical evacuation). With the appropriate installations, the aircraft can be used in 18 different interior configurations. Their passenger transport capacity ranges from 136 to 163 passengers. Furthermore, the transport of up to six intensive care patients, the transport of up to twelve slightly or moderately ill/injured patients, as well as various mixed configurations for patient transport are possible.
Lufthansa Technik’s Original Equipment Innovation business unit will supply the Patient Transport Units (PTUs) required for the MedEvac role to the German Armed Forces. The contract concluded accordingly comprises 12 units (plus 2 reserve units). Up to six PTUs can be fitted in each of the two A321neoLRs. With the Airbus A321neoLR, the German Air Force will receive a future-proof, modern passenger aircraft which can be deployed in various highly flexible cabin configurations on short-, medium- and long-haul flights. The two aircraft will be operated by the Federal Ministry of Defence’s (BMVg) Special Air Mission Wing, making maximum use of synergy effects with the Airbus A320 Family models already introduced.”
The corresponding procurement project was already approved on July 3rd in the context of the approval of the Second Supplementary Budget 2020, add the firm.
Anyone know if the RAF use PTUs in the Voyager or A400? Looks just the job.
Qatar Airways flies these as Buisness Class only aircraft. Travelled on them a few times through work.. 40 odd buisness seats only is very very nice.
Why commercial aircraft and not a few more A400s? Maybe cheaper to operate but a lot less capable especially in wartime.
Maybe one will end up with a special paint scheme, for Mrs Merkel…
They already have them:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konrad_Adenauer_(aircraft)
Thanks Mark…
A321LR has about twice the range (longest ranged single aisle aircraft) and more lift capacity so greater strategic troop transport. An A400m from Berlin would reach anywhere in Europe, Greenland or North Africa, an A321LR would reach to the US Eastern Seaboard, all of Africa and the Near East. Not sure where the Germans are planning to be flying though?
Maybe also an option for the RNZAF as a replacement for their ageing Boeing 757s.
There would be a requirement to add some extended cargo space in lieu of seats – but possible.
Germany spending more euros. They seem happy to spend when they are paying in euros.
What?
A bit shocked to see the Germans spending money…
Whats made them throw their beach towel over on this deal for a flexible mission aircraft?
As it has been all quiet on the western front for their Defence stuff for a while
Except for the US pullout !
You mean apart from their order of more Typhoons and Superhornets/Growlers?
& didnt they just order some big ships?
That hasn’t actually happened yet…
Good to see the Germans spending money on new kit.