Technology

Two independent Fly-by-Wire control systems give excellent handling qualities - such as “direct lift control” for easier Air-to-Air refuelling manoeuvres; Expanded flight envelope protection – such as safe manoeuvring up to 120° in roll, with no limit in pitch, and with roll rates up to 35° per second.

First large military aircraft with extensive use of composite (> 30%) for wings (including main spars), cargo door and tail-plane; CFRP’s usage reduces structural fatigue, thus maximising structural life and reduces concerns about corrosion on major components.

Symmetrical airflow over the wings resulting in better lift distribution and thus more efficient wing design with savings in weight;

Improved handling qualities for “engine out” case resulting in smaller tail-plane with associated savings in weight and drag.

• Simplified switching, uncluttered screens;
• Automated Tanker and Receiver
fuel control;
• Auto Fuel Tank Interting.

• Head-up Displays;
• Enhanced Vision System /FLIR;
• Low Level Flight (500 ft) in
IMC on autopilot;

• Automated CG calculation;
• Automated Defensive Aids
Systems;
• Simple EMCOM switching;

All new 3-shaft Turboprop Engine in the class of
11 000 shp resulting in:
- High-level cruise speeds of between 0.68 and 0.72 Mach,
- Low-level airspeeds of up to 300 knots for tactical operations;

Sophisticated FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) optimising power-plant efficiency and greatly reducing pilot workload; 8-bladed Propeller having a carbon spar and a
composite shell with a polyurethane coating.