Airbus A400M programme assessing autonomous landing
Airbus is currently evaluating the feasibility of adding an autonomous landing capability to the A400M Atlas turboprop in a move that could potentially provide existing customers of the aircraft with safer flight technology.
The primary benefits of autonomous flight being delivered to the RAF’s A400M fleet include using the capability to enter into low level terrain where pilots do not have visual cues from the ground, according to Mark Spector, Flt Lt 206 Sqn, at the RAF speaking at the Royal Aeronautical Society on 22 November.
‘In the future it could be used to get down below the clouds safely
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