A400M Passes Key Certification Tests as Program Advances Toward Type Approval
The Airbus Military A400M, the new-generation military airlifter, has successfully completed a series of critical certification tests, marking significant progress toward both civil and military type certification.
Among the key milestones achieved were the high-energy rejected take-off (RTO) test and comprehensive emergency evacuation tests, two of the most demanding certification requirements in the program.
High-Energy Rejected Take-Off Test Successfully Completed
On September 17, the A400M test aircraft “Grizzly 1” performed the high-energy rejected take-off test at Toulouse Airport.
This test validates the aircraft’s braking system performance under extreme conditions. The aircraft, loaded to maximum take-off weight, initiated a simulated take-off that was aborted at V1 speed — the critical decision speed at which pilots must either continue or reject take-off.
Key aspects of the test included:
- Maximum take-off weight configuration
- Aborted take-off at high speed
- Aircraft taxi and five-minute hold before brake cooling
- Firefighter intervention to cool brakes and wheels
As is typical in such tests, three tyres deflated due to thermal stress. No structural damage occurred, and the test was declared highly successful.
The high-energy RTO test is one of the most challenging evaluations in the certification process and is typically conducted late in the program due to the potential risk to the aircraft.
Emergency Evacuation Tests Passed
In parallel, emergency evacuation tests were conducted at the A400M Final Assembly Line in Seville using the fifth development aircraft.
These tests demonstrated that the aircraft can be safely evacuated within the required timeframe under various operational configurations:
- Paratrooper configuration
- Conventional troop configuration
- Medical evacuation setup
- Mixed troops and cargo configuration
All certification evacuation requirements were successfully met.
Airbus Head of Flight Operations Fernando Alonso stated that these tests are essential for meeting stringent certification standards and expressed confidence in continued progress toward type approval.
The A400M: Advanced Military Airlift Capability
The A400M is designed to meet the evolving operational needs of 21st-century armed forces.
Key characteristics include:
- Strategic and tactical airlift capabilities
- Ability to operate from short, soft and rough runways
- High cruise speed and extended range
- Advanced avionics and flight systems
- Designed for reliability and survivability
With a cargo hold capable of transporting oversized military and humanitarian relief equipment, the A400M bridges the gap between heavy strategic airlifters and tactical transport aircraft.
Its versatility allows operators to perform multiple mission types with fewer aircraft, reducing fleet size and operational costs.
A Major Step Toward Certification
The successful completion of these certification tests confirms the robustness of the A400M’s braking system, safety design and operational flexibility.
As the program moves closer to full type certification, the A400M continues to establish itself as one of the most advanced and versatile military airlifters in service.
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