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A400M completes low-speed take-off tests
Airbus Military has completed low-speed take-off tests with its A400M transport, with the work having provided a spectacular photo opportunity using one of its development aircraft.
Performed at Istres in southern France, the process was intended to determine the A400Ms minimum unstuck speed the lowest at which it can safely take off.
The aircrafts nose was raised until a special bumper fitted to the rear fuselage struck the ground at the maximum pitch-up angle of 13º, Airbus Military says. The result exceeds its earlier assumption of a 12º limit which had been projected following previous tests conducted late last year.
Four of an eventual five development aircraft are now involved in a range of flight test activities ahead of the A400Ms entry into operational use. Airbus Military should deliver its first of a current 174 production examples under contract in late 2012 or early 2013.
PICTURES: A400M completes low-speed take-off tests-25/03/2011-London-Flightglobal.com
Airbus Military has completed low-speed take-off tests with its A400M transport, with the work having provided a spectacular photo opportunity using one of its development aircraft.
Performed at Istres in southern France, the process was intended to determine the A400Ms minimum unstuck speed the lowest at which it can safely take off.
The aircrafts nose was raised until a special bumper fitted to the rear fuselage struck the ground at the maximum pitch-up angle of 13º, Airbus Military says. The result exceeds its earlier assumption of a 12º limit which had been projected following previous tests conducted late last year.
Four of an eventual five development aircraft are now involved in a range of flight test activities ahead of the A400Ms entry into operational use. Airbus Military should deliver its first of a current 174 production examples under contract in late 2012 or early 2013.
PICTURES: A400M completes low-speed take-off tests-25/03/2011-London-Flightglobal.com