Airbus Military handed over the first A400M transport to its flight test organisation on November 12 in preparation for the aircraft’s planned first flight by the end of the year.
The aircraft will undergo a series of ground tests including engine run-ups and various other systems and telemetry tests as the flight test team build confidence in it prior to the flight. After this high speed taxi tests and a rejected takeoff will be conducted and the aircraft checked, and then first flight conducted.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
To unlock all Australian Aviation magazine content and again unlimited access to our daily news and features, become a member today!
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
PRINT
See benefits
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
MOST POPULAR
PRINT + DIGITAL
See benefits
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
DIGITAL
See benefits
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
The A400M is currently running about three years behind schedule due to engine development issues and an underestimation of the engineering resources required to develop the aircraft. So far, only one customer, South Africa, has cancelled its order (for eight), although the European partner nations in the project are yet to agree on a new finance deal and delivery schedule with Airbus Military.