Airbus has demonstrated one of the A400M’s key contractual requirements, with an aircraft from the manufacturer’s “Grizzly” development fleet having performed a maximum-capacity airdrop.
“In tests conducted at Cazaux, France, the aircraft dropped 24 1t container deliver systems in a single pass,” says Airbus Defence & Space. Loaded in two rows in the A400M’s cargo hold, these were released by gravity, says the company, which has distributed an image of the activity taken by France's DGA defence procurement agency.
DGA
“This test demonstrates the maximum capacity of the A400M for this type of container and is a key contractual requirement,” says Airbus Defence & Space. The “Atlas” has a maximum useful cargo capacity of 32t.
The French air force took delivery of its fifth A400M in early September, with the aircraft now at its Orléans-Bricy air base. The service will eventually operate a fleet of 50 of the Europrop International TP400-D6-engined transports.
New operators the UK and Germany are scheduled to receive their first A400Ms before the end of this year, when they will join France and Turkey in using the new type. Other future recipients will be Belgium, Luxembourg, Malaysia and Spain, with Airbus also seeking fresh export deals.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
