Germany's first A400M tactical transport has moved a step closer to its delivery later this year, with the aircraft having received the Luftwaffe's service markings.
Airbus Defence & Space on 10 October released an image of aircraft MSN18 after it left the paint shop at the company's San Pablo site in Seville, Spain. Carrying the number 54+01, the transport had entered final assembly at the site at the start of this year, and performed the first ground run of all four Europrop International TP400-D6 turboprop engines late last month.
Airbus Defence & Space
Airbus earlier this year outlined a schedule to deliver Germany's lead A400M during November.
The company on 12 October performed the first taxi trial with MSN18, during which the aircraft moved "forwards and in reverse and performed a series of tight turns," Airbus says. "In the coming days it will carry out progressively faster trials before making its first flight," it adds.
Airbus Defence & Space
Source: FlightGlobal.com
