Europrop International (EPI) has completed an initial 35h of testing of the Airbus Military A400M transport’s TP400-D6 turboprop engine since last October, including running the three-shaft design at its maximum power rating of 11,000shp (8,200kW). “The engine has shown satisfactory behaviour, in line with the design predictions,” says the consortium, which plans to conduct the first run of the engine with an eight-bladed Ratier-Figeac propeller next month.
Source: Flight International
The January incident at Ellsworth AFB resulted in the destruction of the $450 million bomber and a rare quadruple ejection of the crew, who were attempting to execute an instrument landing during poor weather.
Athens signed a long-sought letter of offer and acceptance with airframer Lockheed Martin covering 20 F-35 stealth fighters, with options for a further 20 jets.
The joint North American Aerospace Defense Command dispatched fighter aircraft from both the USA and Canada on 24 July to intercept a combined flight of bombers from Russia and China operating in international airspace around Alaska.
