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Aviation History
1998
1998 - 1053.PDF
DEFENCE An-70 bid for FLA nears an end DOUGLAS BARRIE/LONDON JULIAN MOXON/PARIS EUROPEAN Future Large Aircraft (FLA) partners are to meet early next month to discuss the outcome of a critical study into considering the Antonov An-70 as an FLA candidate. The study, which is widely expected to reject the An-70 as a serious contender, is almost certain to plunge die FLA into further tur moil, say programme sources. Germany, an FLA partner, is run ning its own study into die An-70, but this will not be completed until the first or second quarter of 1999. Toulouse sources claim that the An-70 concept is "more or less dead", a sentiment echoed by other project sources, who say that the Ukrainian aircraft".. .fails to meet the European Staff Requirement for the FLA". Germany, with the largest paper requirement - of 75 air craft - for the FLA, is keen to forge a collaborative pro gramme built around the An-70 involving both Ukraine and Russia. Bonn is also refusing to provide funding for the pre- launch activities (PLA) for the FLA to Daimler Benz Aero space, despite senior manage ment appeals from the company. The PLA element of the FLA has been repeatedly delayed, increasingly threatening the FLAs ability to meet the Royal Air Force's preferred in-service date to replace the second tranche of its Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules. Programme sources express considerable concern over the impact of Bonn adhering to its position on the An-70. While partner nations plan to develop The fiiture continues to look rocky for the European FLA programme the FLA under the auspices of Airbus Industrie's Airbus Military Company (AMC). "Airbus is pretty dubious about the An-70. It represents an enormous area of risk," says a project source. Airbus Industrie refuses to dis cuss die FLA or the An-70, say ing only that the tactical military transport programme is not yet within its remit. Should the AMC partnership collapse, sources indicate that Daimler-Benz Aerospace, Alenia and Aerospatiale may form an industrial team with Antonov to pursue a joint pro gramme. This could fall foul of the governments, which have funded initial activity on the FLA, and which will eventually have to come up with the money for full industrialisation and pur chase of the aircraft. J Before our aircraft tires can withstand exceptional speeds, temperatures and • • • • • • • • • pressures, they first must endure situations even more rigorous-Goodyear testing. We challenge every aspect of our technology. From advanced material properties to ultimate load capacities, we make sure that each of our tires will live up to the highest standards. So whether you're concerned with a single engine plane or a fleet of commercial aircraft, our complete line of tires is available worldwide to meet all your needs. Because at Goodyear, we not only provide the tires and technology ut the quality zfTratowrimitment you deserve. OODWYEAR FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL 22 - 28 April 1998 21
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