The wars in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and also during the last NATO intervention in Kosovo, have once again pointed the importance of new-generation tactical transport aircraft to be inducted into service to allow better rapid deployment of troops and war material into the designated area of operations. In the future, most airlift requirements will be met by a single airframe modified to meet specific mission requirements. These types of aircraft will become more affordable and flexible by combining several missions in one aircraft and by creating a common airframe suitable for strategic airlift, tactical airlift and aerial refuelling. Advances in technology will also lead to low-cost structures in the new airlifter and lower operating costs. Industry players say that advanced material and design would reduce drag by 25% to 30% and system weight by 20% to 25%, lowering fuel consumption by 15%. As the venerable C-130 Hercules still soldiers on after more than 40 years in service, newer tactical transport aircraft such as the A400M from Airbus Military, C-295 from EADS, and C-27J Spartan from LMATTS are already entering into the picture.
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