A400-M

[caixeiro]

A-400M na Alemanha nao antes 2014, da ate tempo para o KC-390 ficar pronto e recebendo pedidos.

Airbus to deliver first German A400M in 2014-paper
Sun Jun 21, 2009 11:17am EDT



BERLIN, June 21 (Reuters) - Germany will not see the first delivery of A400M military transport aircraft it ordered from European planemaker Airbus (EAD.PA) before 2014, the Financial Times Deutschland newspaper reported.

In an advance copy of an article from Monday's edition, the paper said a new delivery timetable shows Airbus has further delayed its plans to deliver planes to the German Luftwaffe.

Seven European NATO countries have ordered the plane, designed to carry troops and heavy equipment to rugged areas such as Afghanistan, but development problems have delayed production and it has yet to make its maiden flight.

Development was held up mainly by engine difficulties but manufacturers also blame a laundry list of customised national requirements such as defensive aids and navigational features.

Germany, for example wants its 60 prop-driven A400Ms to have the ability to hug the landscape to avoid attack.

Britain, which ordered 25 of the 180 planes earmarked for European NATO countries, had threatened to pull out of the project over delays but has since signalled commitment to stay on board.

However sources have told Reuters it has put forward financial conditions other partners are unlikely to accept.

Buyers agreed a three-month moratorium preventing either side from taking drastic action over the project but this expires at the end of June with no sign of a common approach.

France and Germany this month backed the project and called for a further freeze of six months to allow more negotiations. (Reporting by Brian Rohan; Editing by Rupert Winchester)

[P44]

Ministers Postpone Decision by One Month


(Source: compiled by defense-aerospace.com; issued June 23, 2009)

PARIS --- Seeking major concessions from prime contractor Airbus Military, Britain yesterday vetoed a French-German proposal to extend ongoing talks on the A400M military transport aircraft until the end of the year.

Instead, defense ministers of the seven partner nations (Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Turkey and UK) agreed to meet again in Paris in late July to decide and how, to take the program forward.

A major advance at the Seville meeting is that ministers determined that, “subject to the fulfilment by industry of certain conditions, the A400M is still a feasible programme.” (see below)

British defense procurement minister Quentin Davies said after the meeting in Seville, Spain, that “we need to make a very great deal of progress with industry in order to save this project. Asked whether the UK will stay in the program, he said "We will be if we can be."

A technical committee is to examine all aspects of the aircraft’s production plans and report back to ministers. The intention is that, on the base of this report, ministers will then define the “perimeter for the negotiations on production, delivery and financial schedules” so that all parties will know exactly what will be discussed once negotiations begin, Spanish Defense Undersecretary Constantino Méndez said after the meeting.

Britain, under growing financial pressure, demanded an annual schedule of payments for the additional costs arising from the program’s three-year delay. But these were not yet finalized, French Defense Minister Hervé Morin said, so “rather than risk a deadlock I proposed a grace period of one more month.”

While France, Germany and Spain are focusing on the program’s long-term potential, and have accepted the principle of a renegotiated contract that would spare Airbus Military major financial penalties for the three-year delay, Britain is insisting that the terms of the original contract be enforced, and that any concessions made by governments should be matched by Airbus.

The A400M contract does not allow any partner country to withdraw unilaterally, Spanish Defense Minister Charme Chacon noted after the meeting, while Mendez added that damages and financial penalties for late delivery are issued to be resolved bilaterally between nations and the manufacturer. (ends)


Joint Press Release on the Meeting of the A400M Programme at the Level of Ministers of Defence


(Source: Spanish Ministry of Defence; issued June 22, 2009)



On the 22nd June 2009 The Ministers of Defence of the seven nations participating in the European programme A400M – Belgium, France, Germany, Luxemburg, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom – met to receive and analyse the results reached by the Group of Experts set by the Nations to examine the status of the programme and its way forward.

As originally conceived, the A400M programme has proven to be a far greater challenge for industry than previously anticipated, suffering significant deviations from the initial forecast.

In order to rebuild the confidence that the programme objectives can be delivered within an acceptable level of risk, the nations and industry agreed in April 2009 to a standstill period.

During this period a group of experts from the nations have scrutinised the programme, arriving at the conclusion that subject to the fulfilment by industry of certain conditions, the A400M is still a feasible programme.

During the aforesaid standstill period, the Nations and industry have been exploring a commercial, technological and managerial framework, within which the new terms and conditions of any possible negotiation might be contained. A number of issues still need to be resolved, before a negotiation phase can be entered.

Therefore, in order to ensure ourselves that the conditions offered by industry fully satisfy the Nations, it has been decided to allow, in agreement with industry, an extension to the standstill period, with a decision being taken by Partner Nations by the end of July.

-ends-

http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articl ... -july.html

[P44]

Joint FR UK Summit Declaration: Defence and Security (excerpt)


(Source: UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office; issued July 6, 2009)



France and the United Kingdom are also committed to finding a positive outcome for the renegotiation of the A400M programme. The A400M will meet the capability needs of its client countries' armed forces and offer outstanding performance.

The principle behind this renegotiation is that the company bear the consequences of the programme delays and contribute to compensating for the resulting capability deficit.

The two governments are open, on the basis of these principles, to amendments allowing the pursuit of the programme under reasonable conditions. (end of excerpt)


(EDITOR’S NOTE: The joint British-French position as described above, which stipulates that Airbus Military must bear the consequences of the delays to the A400M program, and contribute to compensating for the resulting capability deficit, is a major departure from the position agreed between France and Germany in early June.
That agreement, also backed by Spain, would have allowed Airbus and its corporate parent, EADS, to avoid paying most of the contractual penalties for which it was liable.)

-ends-

[caixeiro]

Joint FR UK Summit Declaration: Defence and Security (excerpt)


(Source: UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office; issued July 6, 2009)



France and the United Kingdom are also committed to finding a positive outcome for the renegotiation of the A400M programme. The A400M will meet the capability needs of its client countries' armed forces and offer outstanding performance.

The principle behind this renegotiation is that the company bear the consequences of the programme delays and contribute to compensating for the resulting capability deficit.

The two governments are open, on the basis of these principles, to amendments allowing the pursuit of the programme under reasonable conditions. (end of excerpt)


(EDITOR’S NOTE: The joint British-French position as described above, which stipulates that Airbus Military must bear the consequences of the delays to the A400M program, and contribute to compensating for the resulting capability deficit, is a major departure from the position agreed between France and Germany in early June.
That agreement, also backed by Spain, would have allowed Airbus and its corporate parent, EADS, to avoid paying most of the contractual penalties for which it was liable.)

-ends-

Politicagem Economca Pura, Os Ingleses querem pular fora do negocio os Franceses ameacaram com as mutas contratuais os Ingleses lembram aos Franceses a mutas por atraso e nao cumprimento de metas, vai ficar elas por elas, nem os Ingleses anunciam o abandono do programa nem os franceses entregam aviao, agora opiniao minha, esse bicho nao voa antes de 10 anos, se voar, e a EMBRAER tem uma otima oportunidade de mercado.

Abracos Elcio Caixeiro

[Skw]

Politicagem Economca Pura, Os Ingleses querem pular fora do negocio os Franceses ameacaram com as mutas contratuais os Ingleses lembram aos Franceses a mutas por atraso e nao cumprimento de metas, vai ficar elas por elas, nem os Ingleses anunciam o abandono do programa nem os franceses entregam aviao, agora opiniao minha, esse bicho nao voa antes de 10 anos, se voar, e a EMBRAER tem uma otima oportunidade de mercado.

A Airbus Military é baseada na Espanha. O Carlos Suarez, o direitor do programa, também é espanhol. No final de 2008 e no começo de 2009, a EADS tentou intergar a Airbus Military na Airbus. Mas o governo espanhol reclamou. Na verdade, a França, a Alemanha e a Inglaterra estão utilizando as dificuldades do programa (e a parte espanhola) como pretexto para obter mais benefícios.

Do meu lado, não consegui entender porque a EADS aceitou este prazo curtinho para desenvolver um avião inteiramente novo?

[caixeiro]

Politicagem Economca Pura, Os Ingleses querem pular fora do negocio os Franceses ameacaram com as mutas contratuais os Ingleses lembram aos Franceses a mutas por atraso e nao cumprimento de metas, vai ficar elas por elas, nem os Ingleses anunciam o abandono do programa nem os franceses entregam aviao, agora opiniao minha, esse bicho nao voa antes de 10 anos, se voar, e a EMBRAER tem uma otima oportunidade de mercado.

A Airbus Military é baseada na Espanha. O Carlos Suarez, o direitor do programa, também é espanhol. No final de 2008 e no começo de 2009, a EADS tentou intergar a Airbus Military na Airbus. Mas o governo espanhol reclamou. Na verdade, a França, a Alemanha e a Inglaterra estão utilizando as dificuldades do programa (e a parte espanhola) como pretexto para obter mais benefícios.

Do meu lado, não consegui entender porque a EADS aceitou este prazo curtinho para desenvolver um avião inteiramente novo?

Entender e facil, esse tipo de contrato e muito comum no Brasil, vc faz a proposta ja sabendo que nem o preco final e nem os prazos sao reais , la pelo meio se faz um acordo com o participantes e tudo bem o dinheiro estava sobrando no mundo mesmo, so que ninguem esperava essa crise tao profunda, nessas horas castelos de cartas mal montados comecam a ruir, se tivesse ainda dinheiro sobrando nada disso estava acontecendo.

Abracos Elcio Caixeiro

[Skw]

Entender e facil, esse tipo de contrato e muito comum no Brasil, vc faz a proposta ja sabendo que nem o preco final e nem os prazos sao reais , la pelo meio se faz um acordo com o participantes e tudo bem o dinheiro estava sobrando no mundo mesmo, so que ninguem esperava essa crise tao profunda, nessas horas castelos de cartas mal montados comecam a ruir, se tivesse ainda dinheiro sobrando nada disso estava acontecendo.

A diferença é a seguinte. No caso da Airbus tem um monte de parceiros. Então têm vários interesses, todos diferentes. No caso do A400 M, alguns dos países não serão tão flexíveis como os Espanhóis. Por exemplo, os Ingleses não têm os mesmos interesses nesse programa: então eles vão fazer pagar (não oficialmente) a Airbus. Por exemplo, eles vão pedir mais benefícios nos futuros programas. Ou eles vão pedir aos EUA: a BAE provavelmente está mais integrada nos EUA do que na Airbus. Então, a Airbus arrisca perder alguns dos seus investidores habituais para financiar os futuros programas. O Tom Enders teme isso.

Abraços,
Skw

[P44]

First A400M moved outside for ground tests
By Craig Hoyle



Airbus Military's first A400M has been moved from the final assembly line at its San Pablo plant near Seville for a two-week series of ground tests that will edge the transport closer to its delayed first flight.

Aircraft MSN001 was towed outside on 2 September, having recently undergone system checks and received unspecified modifications that EADS-led Airbus Military says will make it "a more mature aircraft at first flight". The delayed milestone - originally scheduled for early 2008 - is expected to take place "around the turn of the year", it adds.

Originally rolled out in June 2008, MSN001 will now undergo fuel and pressurisation tests and navigation and communication system checks, says Airbus Military. It will then have its four Europrop International TP400-D6 turboprop engines and auxiliary power unit installed, following the delivery of the final full authority digital engine control software, it adds.

EADS hopes to agree a new contract with its seven European launch customers for the €20 billion ($28.5 billion) A400M programme by year-end. Deliveries of the nations' combined 180 transports are expected to start around late 2012 or early 2013, over three years behind schedule.


http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/20 ... tests.html

[WalterGaudério]

A-400M na Alemanha nao antes 2014, da ate tempo para o KC-390 ficar pronto e recebendo pedidos.

Airbus to deliver first German A400M in 2014-paper
Sun Jun 21, 2009 11:17am EDT



BERLIN, June 21 (Reuters) - Germany will not see the first delivery of A400M military transport aircraft it ordered from European planemaker Airbus (EAD.PA) before 2014, the Financial Times Deutschland newspaper reported.


Buyers agreed a three-month moratorium preventing either side from taking drastic action over the project but this expires at the end of June with no sign of a common approach.

France and Germany this month backed the project and called for a further freeze of six months to allow more negotiations. (Reporting by Brian Rohan; Editing by Rupert Winchester)

Tô falando...

[cvn73]

França diz que aeronave do Brasil não vai substituir A400M
10 de Setembro de 2009 | 07:24

PARIS (Reuters) - As negociações da França com o Brasil sobre a compra de 10 a 15 aeronaves de transporte, que custarão de 50 milhões a 60 milhões de euros cada, não afetarão o projeto europeu de produção do cargueiro A400M, informou o ministro da Defesa francês.


A produção do cargueiro militar A400M, a ser construído pela Airbus, tem sido adiado, mas o ministro da Defesa da França, Herve Morin, disse que as negociações com o Brasil sobre a compra da aeronave de transporte KC-390 são um assunto separado. O cargueiro KC-390 será fabricado pela Embraer.

"Vamos comprar entre 10 e 15 unidades", afirmou o ministro à rádio RTL. "O custo vai depender do desenvolvimento do programa, mas será muito mais barato, não é do mesmo nível que o A400M. É um avião de cerca de 50 milhões a 60 milhões de euros."

Membros europeus da Organização do Tratatado do Atlântico Norte (Otan) afirmaram este ano que concordaram em renegociar seus contratos com a Airbus, controlada pela EADS, depois que problemas técnicos e aumento de custos atingiram o desenvolvimento do A400M.

Morin também expressou confiança sobre as negociações com o Brasil sobre a compra brasileira de 36 jatos de combate Rafale, produzidos pela francesa Dassault Aviation.

O Brasil informou esta semana que ainda tem que concluir o processo de seleção do contrato.

"O processo de venda começou bem. Será vendido no dia em que o acordo for assinado", disse Morin.

(Por Sophie Hardach)

[Junker]

Airbus A400M ever closer to first flight
Written by Leon Engelbrecht
Wednesday, 23 September 2009



Airbus remains confident that its previously troubled A400M military transport will fly at the end of the year.

The company says technicians are currently fitting engines and propellers to the first aircraft scheduled to fly, airframe MSN 001.

Briefing journalists at an Airbus facility at Getafe near Madrid yesterday, Airbus senior vice president and A400M programme head Rafael Tentor said MSN001 was also on track for static engine ground runs in mid-November.

Tentor told the media structural static tests required for first flight were completed at the beginning of June, including the definition of maximum loads and wing flex trials.

Work on qualifying the A400M’s massive Europrop International TP400 turboprop engines is also proceeding apace. The engine last month achieved hardware clearance for first flight and has so far clocked up 3150 flight hours on the ground as well as aboard a Lockheed Martin C130K testbed aircraft.

To date 16 flights have been performed with a total of 46 flight hours. Tentor says the full flight envelope has been opened without restriction and maximum power has been achieved at take-off as well as in flight.

All in-flight characteristics are as expected, Tentor said, and no critical issues preventing first flight have been identified.

Regarding the software for the fully automated digital engine control (FADEC) that has substantially delayed the process, the A400M chief noted that development maturity was on target for the year-end flight.

Of especial significance was the July 31 audit of the software by the European Air Safety Authority (EASA). EPI earlier this year admitted it had blundered by not ensuring that the previous iteration of the software was auditable. As a result of the oversight, it had to be rewritten.

First Flight Version 1 FADEC software was delivered at end-June and Version 2 was released on August 25, “correcting most issues”. The final version of the software began testing this week.

Tentor said steps that remained towards first flight were:
• Completing engine and propeller installation
• Completing the installation and testing of flyable software
• Performing electromagnetic interference checks on the complete aircraft system
• Transferring MSN 001 from the production organisation to Flight Test Department
• Performing the necessary system testing prior to static engine ground run
• Taxing the aircraft at low speed and then high speeds
• In parallel, obtaining all necessary EASA approvals for powerplant and airframe flight permits.
• First flight

That flight will be a proper working test with little of the fanfare that marked the rollout of MSN last year.

Regarding the second airframe, MSN002, Tentor said that it would by year-end have undergone a structural upgrade and full systems installation. All systems testing – including outdoor cabin pressurisation, fuel systems and software – will also be done. It is scheduled for first flight in the first quarter of the New Year.

Final assembly of MSN 003 began this month with the wings been attached to the main fuselage this weekend. First flight is expected by mid-2010.

Tentor added that aircraft MSN 006 would be the first production aircraft with MSN 007 being the first to be delivered to the French Air Force, the launch client. Delivery is now planned for three years after first flight – or roughly late 2012.

Some 192 aircraft are currently on order for nine air forces, including the South African Air Force.

Asked what the specific roles of the pre-production aircraft was in the flight test
Programme, Tentor said MSN 001 was the flight performance aircraft, MSN 002 the engine integration platform, MSN 003 the systems integration aircraft and MSN 004 the basic aircraft for cargo systems development.

Tentor also commented on previous worries about the A400M’s weight. He says the aircraft’s mass is “well under control” and “in line with the payload and range capability we committed to customers.” The total payload of the aircraft is 37 metric ton of which nearly 5mt are for optional customer configuration items and equipment. This will leave an available payload of 32mt, he says.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?o ... Itemid=350

[Junker]

Nada boa a situação do A400M na Africa do Sul

AG finds a R2.9bn irregularity in SAAF A400M acquisition: DA
Written by defenceWeb
Wednesday, 30 September 2009



The Auditor-General’s (AG) annual report of the Department of Defence has found a possible irregular expenditure of R2.9-billion on the procurement of the Airbus A400M military transport for the South African Air Force.

The SAAF is acquiring eight of the large aircraft under Project Continent, a R7.4 billion programme announced in 2004.

The aircraft were scheduled to be delivered between 2010 and 2012. They are now expected from 2014, following delays beyond the SAAF’s control.

Hard copies of the Department of Defence 2008/9 Annual Report, containing the AG’s report, were tabled in Parliament today. The DoD has declined defenceWeb’s request for an electronic softcopy to verify a Democratic Alliance media statement on the matter.

DA shadow defence minister David Maynier says this year also marks the DoD’s tenth successive qualified audit opinion.

“The DoD’s finances are in meltdown,” Maynier says.

“The Auditor-General’s 2008/2009 annual report on the special defence account reveals that nearly R3 billion of possible irregular expenditure on the Airbus A400M aircraft programme - possible irregular expenditure of R2.9 billion may have occurred in the acquisition of the Airbus A400M aircraft as a result of the tender process.

“Moreover, the Auditor-General’s 2008/2009 annual report on the defence department reveals that over R15 million in irregular expenditure on the Airbus A400m aircraft programme is being investigated - R15 242 000 of irregular expenditure on the A400m strategic heavy lift aircraft programme is being investigated with a view to disciplinary action or criminal proceedings,” Maynier charges in his statement.

Maynier did not further explain the AG's concerns or the irregularities found.

Elsewhere in the DoD Maynier says the AG found R118 473 000 in irregular expenditure. No supporting documentation could be provided for R77 042 781 of this expenditure.

In addition, just under R200 million paid to consultants was unverifiable – “there was no proper internal control systems or supporting documentation provided by the defence department for R193 105 851 spent on consultants”, Maynier adds.

Furthermore, the AG described R4.587 million in expenditure as “fruitless and wasteful” and found the DoD still has no proper asset register.

Maynier says the DA will approach Themba Godi, chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) to have a special hearing on the state of financial management within the department of defence; and on the procurement of the A400M.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?o ... Itemid=431

[Alitson]

A-400M na Alemanha nao antes 2014, da ate tempo para o KC-390 ficar pronto e recebendo pedidos.

Tô falando...

No que depender da capacidade da EMBRAER em 2014 o KC-390 já estará voando na FAB...

[Junker]

R6bi dá US$830m cada A400M!

SA faces tough A400M decision as price-tag surges to R47bn
By: Sapa
15th October 2009


A photograph of the first A400M, which Airbus Military reported in September had been fitted with the fourth of its powerplant, including the propeller.

Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has to cancel a deal to buy eight military transport aircraft after costs rocketed by R30-billion, a Democratic Alliance MP said on Wednesday.

David Maynier said unless the programme to buy eight Airbus A400M transport planed was terminated, the taxpayer would have to pay close to R6 billion for each aircraft.

"The DA calls on the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Lindiwe Sisulu, to withhold the R1,1-billion pending payment to Airbus, begin negotiations to terminate the procurement of the aircraft and then launch a full and independent enquiry into deal," he said.

Armscor chief executive Sipho Thomo told the portfolio committee on defence on Wednesday that long delays in the building programme had pushed the asking price for the A400M planes from R17-billion to R47-billion.

Cabinet would have to make an urgent decision on whether to go ahead with the deal, he said.

Maynier said the estimated cost overrun would be greater than the initial cost of the procurement of South Africa's strategic defence package and nearly three times the Air Force's total budget for the 2009/2010 financial year.

The original contract for the delivery of the aircraft, which was never put out to tender, was signed on 28 April, 2005 for delivery over 2010 and 2012.

The Airbus A400M was to be produced as part of a nine-nation consortium co-operative programme which included South Africa.

"We have already spent R2.9 billion on the Airbus A400M. We have to get out while we can," Maynier said.

Edited by: Sapa

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/articl ... 2009-10-15

[Antonio Alvarenga]

R6bi dá US$830m cada A400M!

SA faces tough A400M decision as price-tag surges to R47bn
By: Sapa
15th October 2009


A photograph of the first A400M, which Airbus Military reported in September had been fitted with the fourth of its powerplant, including the propeller.

Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has to cancel a deal to buy eight military transport aircraft after costs rocketed by R30-billion, a Democratic Alliance MP said on Wednesday.

David Maynier said unless the programme to buy eight Airbus A400M transport planed was terminated, the taxpayer would have to pay close to R6 billion for each aircraft.

"The DA calls on the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Lindiwe Sisulu, to withhold the R1,1-billion pending payment to Airbus, begin negotiations to terminate the procurement of the aircraft and then launch a full and independent enquiry into deal," he said.

Armscor chief executive Sipho Thomo told the portfolio committee on defence on Wednesday that long delays in the building programme had pushed the asking price for the A400M planes from R17-billion to R47-billion.

Cabinet would have to make an urgent decision on whether to go ahead with the deal, he said.

Maynier said the estimated cost overrun would be greater than the initial cost of the procurement of South Africa's strategic defence package and nearly three times the Air Force's total budget for the 2009/2010 financial year.

The original contract for the delivery of the aircraft, which was never put out to tender, was signed on 28 April, 2005 for delivery over 2010 and 2012.

The Airbus A400M was to be produced as part of a nine-nation consortium co-operative programme which included South Africa.

"We have already spent R2.9 billion on the Airbus A400M. We have to get out while we can," Maynier said.

Edited by: Sapa

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/articl ... 2009-10-15

Outra versão da notícia.
Parece que o contrato de compra do A400 da África do Sul pode ser cancelado.
Isso abre as portas para o KC-390


R47bn arms deal scandal rocks shocked MPs
Christelle Terreblanche
October 15 2009 at 07:33AM

www.iol.co.za

In one of the most serious tests to President Jacob Zuma's cabinet yet, it will have to cancel a R47-billion freight aircraft transaction gone wrong within the next month, or pay the price of a potential arms deal scandal part II.
Armscor chief executive Sipho Thomo admitted to shocked MPs yesterday that the cost of acquiring eight A400M Airbus heavy-lift planes had rocketed from a steep R17bn in 2006 to a whopping "estimated" R47bn.
Parliament's committee on defence yesterday grilled Armscor and acting Secretary of Defence Tsepe Motumi about their annual reports.
The Department of Defence received its 10th consecutive qualified audit report from the auditor-general, who noted that the government could have blown R2.9bn in an irregular tendering process on the Airbus planes.
The soaring cost of the eight aircraft came to light as MPs questioned Thomo about the R2,9bn paid out of the secret Special Defence Account.
Armscor has acknowledged that there had been no tendering processes and that the decision to buy the aircraft was made by the cabinet, after which it requested the state arms acquisition company to handle the process.
Then-defence minister Mosiuoa Lekota announced the decision in 2005, and the deal was concluded the following year.
The aircraft is a new model that has yet to take to the skies.
It is a joint project between France's Airbus and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), with participation from British Aerospace (BAE), French armament electronics company Thales and South African aerospace companies Aerosud and Denel Saab Aerostructures.
EADS, Thales and BAE were beneficiaries of South Africa's Strategic Defence Procurement Package that has cost taxpayers at least R60bn.
Thomo told the committee yesterday that the government had withheld a further R1,1bn payment to the aircraft - in addition to the R2,9bn - after Airbus told Armscor last week about the price escalation and that the aircraft were four years behind schedule.
They are to be delivered in 2016, 10 years after the order.
Thomo said the cabinet had a one-month window period to cancel the order.
Armscor and the Defence Department delegation would not answer detailed questions about the fiasco, saying they needed to brief Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu.
"Some of the questions are sensitive and we are not at liberty to discuss (this) in an open forum," Thomo said, adding that the cabinet could terminate the contracts.
"Our concern is that we don't have time - that decision needs to be made by the end of October."
Committee chairman Nyami Booi (ANC) noted that the payments would have to come from the defence budget, which was only R32bn a year.
David Maynier (DA) wanted to know what the total cost of the acquisition would eventually be, as well as the cost to taxpayers if the cabinet decided to cancel the deal.
He called on the government to start terminating the procurement and to launch a "full and independent inquiry into the Airbus deal".
This article was originally published on page 1 of Pretoria News on October 15, 2009