Germany certifies A319 OH Open Skies aircraft

The Bundeswehr's new Airbus A319 OH Open Skies aircraft is conducting certification flights. (Bundeswehr)

The Bundeswehr announced on its website on 30 September that its new Airbus A319 OH (Offener Himmel: Open Skies) aircraft is being certified by its Streitkräftebasis support command.

A German Ministry of Defence military spokesman told Janes on 4 October that the aircraft had made its first certification flight. The A319 OH was equipped by Lufthansa Technik with electro-optical and infrared sensors, which are being calibrated during the certification flights. It is the first observation aircraft of this type to be equipped with an infrared sensor, according to the Bundeswehr.

After it is certified, the A319 OH is expected to conduct 20 missions a year, the Bundeswehr said, adding that it could be used together with other countries or offered for lease.

The Bundeswehr spokesman said it was planned to certify the A319 OH by the end of the year, although this could be delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.