Representation of Airbus’ A320neo M3 variant. Credit: © Airbus SAS 2018.

Airbus has been evaluating new applications for its A320neo twin-engine jet airliner as a ‘highly-capable and cost-effective’ military platform.

The company intends to use the commercial aircraft as a military transport platform and to carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Designated A320M3A, the new military variant would be specifically designed to conduct a wide range of ISR operations such as maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare.

“Based on the company’s A320 airliner family in high-rate production, the new A320neo variant will benefit from being a low-risk aircraft solution.”

The aircraft can be equipped with modular roll-on / roll-off payloads to carry out several airlift missions, including carrying passengers and troops, medical evacuation (medevac), and cargo transport.

The larger host platform of Airbus’ A320M3A model features increased electrical power and improved cooling systems compared with the previously used command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) aircraft.

Based on the company’s A320 airliner family in high-rate production, the new A320neo variant will benefit from being a low-risk aircraft solution.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The aircraft is built on the company’s capabilities in manufacturing military derivatives of its commercial aircraft such as the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), which is currently in use with military services worldwide.

The new engine option version of Airbus’ A320 commercial jetliner offers several advantages such as long range and endurance, the lowest operational and lifecycle costs in its class, and an extensive capability for growth in a fuselage cross-section that is wider than its competitor in the same size category.