Nathan Gain

A Belgium is waiting for its first A400M Atlas strategic airlifter, the Defense Ministry's Directorate General Material Resources (DGMR) on October 5 issued a Request for Participation (RFP) for the procurement of ground equipment for the A400M initial support.

Airbus A400M airlifter performing unpaved runway trials
(Credit: Airbus Defence & Space)

The DGMR requests "Procurement of AGE (Aircraft Ground Equipment) necessary for the initial support of maintenance activities of the A400M concerning maintenance platforms and storage of tyres", the announcement says.

The equipment will be acquired through a negociated procedure, the proposals must be sent by November 7, 2018.

This RFP is just another step towards the A400M first delivery. Starting 2009, the entire fleet of C-130H - counting 250,300 flight hours - will be replaced by seven A400M aircraft.

The Belgian government on April 19 approved the acquisition of a sole A400 flight simulator for the Belgian Air Force’s future fleet of strategic airlifters. It will be part of BELUX A400M Training Center, which will be built near Melsboek by 2022. This 65 million euros center will provide future A400M crews with a Full Flight Simulator and a Loadmaster Work Station Trainer.

On September 2017, launched a procedure for the construction of a new hangar at the Melsbroek Air Base to service the BAF future Airbus A400M transport aircraft, via a partnership with the civilian sector.