Despite rampant speculation over whether Airbus Military is managing to keep the A400M military airlifter on track, no-one can argue with the fact that the first aircraft are coming together on the factory floor.
Unfortunately, the technical snags that have beset the much larger A380 airliner and caused lengthy delays only emerged after roll-out and the first aircraft had successfully taken to the skies. This does not bode well for the A400M, which in many respects is technically more ambitious than the A380.
The A400M will be powered by enormous TP400 engines (due to be test flown on a Lockheed Martin C-130 early next year), which at around 12,000shp will be the most powerful turboprop engines built in the West. The A400M is also the first Airbus with a predominantly composite wing.
Forward fuselage
Rear ramp
Composite wing
TP400 engine
There will be more news on the A400M during the next few weeks as the results of a major review of the project are released.
Comments (1)
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Posted by Loren Plienis | July 8, 2011 6:30 AM
Posted on July 8, 2011 06:30