[Project] Empire of France - Thales AM406

[Alexander]

TYPE	Research & Development
CLIENT	Empire of France
PROJECT	Thales AM406
PROJECT COST	400,000,000.00
COMPLETION DATE	29/03/2024
PROJECT INFORMATION	The Thales AM406 arose out of the need for France to develop its own independent AEW&C capability. Already having access to the world's most advanced aircraft through Airbus and the world's most advanced radar through Thales, the final push for France to commission the Thales AM406 came when the production of American alternatives was blocked. As the project only requires adapting two existing products to work for each other it was deemed a relatively quick and cost-effective effort. In the end the decision was made to create an AEW&C platform using the Airbus A340-200 with its incredible range and capable power plant. Thales would bring the radar technology behind its highly effective and proven Ground Master 400 platform. The Airbus-Thales Air Master project would thus result in two aircraft; the AM403 (a separate project) and the AM406. The former intended for use on carriers and the latter for use from on-land air facilities. Aircraft Specifications: Crew: 19-34 -Flight Crew: 4 -Mission Crew: 15-30 Length: 59.4m Wingspan: 60.3m Wing: 363.1 m2 Height: 17.03m Fuselage: 5.287m cabin width, 5.64m outside width MTOW: 275t OEW: 118t Max Fuel: 110.4t Engines: 4x CFM International CFM56 Thrust: 4x 138.78–151.24 kN Range: 12,400 km Endurance: More than 12 hours without refueling Ceiling: 12,527 m Speed: Mach 0.86 Radar Specifications: Type: 3D AESA RADAR GaN Technology Modern algorithm to mitigate windfarm effect Detection Range: 450km Instrumented Range: 515km Detects fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, cruise missiles, UAVs, and tactical ballistic missiles Azimuth: 360° Digital Beam Forming Stacked beam (maximum time on target) technology S-Band (high part 2.9 / 3.3 GHz) Clear & Doppler modes Electronic Counter-CounterMeasures (ECCM) capabilities Cost: $270,000,000
ENCRYPTED	No