Airbus Successfully Launches Remote Carrier Demonstrator From A400M Transport

In conjunction with the German armed forces and industry partners, Airbus has conducted the first successful launch and operation of a remote carrier flight-test demonstrator from an A400M transport plane, reports the company.

During the trial, a modified Airbus Do-DT25 drone was launched from the aft cargo ramp of the A400M. After release, the drone started its engines and the A400M crew transferred control to an operator on the ground, who safely commanded and landed the air vehicle.

The launching system was developed in six months, noted Airbus.

The project involved Airbus, the German armed forces, the German Aerospace Center DLR, as well as the German companies SFL and Geradts.

The goal is to develop the capability for transport aircraft such as the A400M to serve as mother ships to numerous remote carriers that will support crewed aircraft.

A single A400M is expected to be able to carry up to 50 small or 12 heavy remote carriers, Airbus said.