Airbus Military's A400M programme has been given a clean bill of health after a two-month audit by lead stakeholder EADS, although "significant programme challenges" must be overcome if the transport is to make its first delivery in 2009.
"The review validated that the A400M programme is progressing according to the contractually agreed schedule," says EADS, which also outlines several programme elements that it views as "critical risks". These include system design on the electrical harnesses and mission systems, plus unspecified modifications to its Europrop International TP400-D6 engines. The study also cited work required to complete the A400M's final assembly line at Seville, Spain as a potential area of concern.
"We have seen some weaknesses in organisation and technical challenges," says Airbus chief operating officer Fabrice Brégier.
EADS used engineers from its previous Airbus A380 audit team to take part in the A400M assessment process, and says the latest study was "the most comprehensive review ever done on an EADS development programme". The findings were approved by the EADS directors.
Source: Flight International
