NATO leasing Antonov An-124-100 Condor

[Supe]

I've read that the Condors are deemed by some as sub-standard build aircraft, yet a deal has been signed by NATO, to lease this aircraft. I would be certain that European nations and NATO would have strict safety requirements for this aircraft and by the looks of things, concerns of airworthiness and safety have been met. If Antonov manages this well, we may well see members of NATO buying them.

IF Condors are such shonky builds - how did Antonov manage to lease these aircraft to NATO?

On March 23, 2006, in Leipzig the ceremony, which officially opened the Ruslan aircraft operation within NATO SALIS (Strategic Airlift Interim Solution) programme, was held. The representatives of Ministries of Defence of the countries participating in the programme, official persons of NATO, Ukrainian and Russian Embassies took part in the ceremony.

NATO will use Ruslans in accordance with the Contract signed on January, 2006 between NAMSA (NATO Maintenance and Support Agency) and Ruslan SALIS GmbH. NAMSA acts on behalf of NATO. Ruslan SALIS GmbH represents interests of ANTONOV ASTC (Ukraine) and Volga-Dnepr group companies (Russia). According to this document two AN-124-100 airplanes will be constantly based in Leipzig airport. Another 4 aircraft will be put on disposal by request. The AN-124-100 will carry out strategic transportations in the interests of European Community and NATO within the period till 2012.

Cont....

source

 

[LancerMc]

I am in complete agreeance with you. I don't think people give the Condor enough credit. As far I know it has a pretty good safety record. While any aircraft that large has maintenance issues, but I haven't ever heard its had problems like the C-5. The Condor is really the toughest over sized cargo carrier today. The Russian's looked at the C-5 and said what can we do to make that aircraft better. The Condor is able to land at poorly prepared runways because of its landing gear setup, where the C-5 is pretty limited in its abilities.

NATO is getting a good aircraft that its needed for a long time. May be instead of buying so many A-400's they should buy some new build Condor's.

 

[adsH]

the Contract signed on January, 2006 between NAMSA (NATO Maintenance and Support Agency) and Ruslan SALIS GmbH. NAMSA acts on behalf of NATO. Ruslan SALIS GmbH

is this a german purchase and is Ruslan (GmbH) the german counterpart involved in maintenance.