Airbus Military A400M Enters Reliability Testing Phase

Airbus Military has launched a delayed programme of so-called function and reliability (F&R) testing of its A400M transport.

MSN6 must accumulate 300 flight hours to demonstrate the reliable operation of its equipment and systems before the receipt of full civil type certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency.


Airbus Military had planned to begin the F&R activity earlier this year, but had to delay the programme after a vibration problem was found to be affecting one of MSN6's Europrop International TP400-D6 turboprop engines.

Airbus Military plans to deliver its first production example of the A400M to the French air force in late 2012 or early 2013, with the aircraft targeted to make its first flight on 23 August.

Posted in: Airbus Miltary