The certification programme of the A400M had undergone exhaustive testing including 300 hours of function and reliability testing to demonstrate the robustness of its TP400 engines and systems – and this all over the world to confirm the reliability under unusual conditions such as under desert climate (Golf), cold weather (Sweden and Canada) and high altitude (Bolivia). According to Airbus Military the fleet of five “Atlas” development aircraft has completed some 4,800 hours in the air during more than 1.600 flights in different manouvres such as air-to-air refuelling, air-dropping of supplies and paratroopers as well as low-level flights.
“I am very sure, this aircraft will fit into the EATCs policy to combine effectiveness with efficiency in order to not only provide benefits to the EATC Participating Nations, but the same time to offer a very effective aircraft for many military purposes”, said the Commander of the EATC, Major General Pascal Valentin, looking forward to the military certification to follow.
The EATC conducts the Air Transport (AT) of five Participating Nations and will become the main user of the A400M. The first plane is planned to be introduced to the French Air Force possibly in June 2013.
Find the original release of Airbus Military here:
Read more about EATC involvement in the new aircraft here
Text: Norbert Thomas
Picture: SIRPA