The flight was commanded by Chief Test Pilot Edward “Ed” Strongman, supported by Experimental Test Pilot Ignacio “Nacho” Lombo, alongside a specialized engineering team responsible for powerplants, aircraft systems, handling qualities and performance evaluation.

The crew confirmed that aircraft MSN 1 and its four Europrop International TP400-D turboprop engines performed as expected throughout the test envelope.

Ed Strongman highlighted the aircraft’s impressive take-off performance and cockpit design, while Nacho Lombo emphasized its handling ease and strong alignment with simulator results. Airbus Military CEO Domingo Urena-Raso and Airbus CEO Tom Enders congratulated the teams involved and reaffirmed the strategic importance of the A400M program.

For its maiden flight, the aircraft took off at 127 tonnes — including 15 tonnes of test equipment — compared to its maximum take-off weight of 141 tonnes.

GTD’s Strategic Contribution to the A400M Program

GTD has been one of the key technological partners in the A400M program, contributing across multiple critical subsystems — from avionics design to integration, testing and certification. GTD’s participation in the program exceeds €18 million in contracts.

A400M Full Flight Simulator (FFS)

Within the development of the A400M Full Flight Simulator, EADS-CASA awarded GTD the development of the Military Software Package (MiISwP), including:

• ATA23 (Communications) models
• ATA43 (Surveillance) models
• Selected ATA90 module re-hosting

This simulator enables realistic pilot training and mission preparation.

MIDS (Multifunctional Information Distribution System)

GTD, working for EADS, was responsible for the design, development and unitary testing of the onboard computer software for the A400M’s MIDS communication system.

MIDS provides secure, real-time data links between airborne, maritime and ground forces, ensuring enhanced situational awareness and joint mission coordination.

IFF (Identification Friend-or-Foe)

For Indra, GTD developed the software for the A400M’s Identification Friend-or-Foe (IFF) system, supporting:

• Mode 4
• Mode 5
• Mode S IFF CIT systems

These systems are configured in various sizes and interfaces to meet different operational platform requirements.

Mission Management System (MMS)

GTD contributed to the A400M Mission Management System (MMS), responsible for:

• Communications management
• Cargo handling
• Fuel management
• Tactical ground collision avoidance
• Military radio control

The MMS acts as a data communications gateway between military systems connected via the 1-Mbit/s 1553 bus and Airbus avionics systems operating over the AFDX Ethernet network.

Ground and In-Flight Test Benches

On behalf of EADS-CASA, GTD developed and installed multiple hardware and software test benches to support final aircraft commissioning, including:

• Structural, electrical and avionics ground tests
• Real-time and post-processed telemetry for in-flight testing

A Milestone for European Aerospace Engineering

The successful first flight of the A400M marked a turning point for Europe’s defense and air mobility capabilities. GTD’s involvement in mission-critical systems reinforces its expertise in aerospace software engineering, avionics integration and certification of complex military platforms.

Through its participation in the A400M program, GTD strengthens its position as a trusted partner in advanced aeronautical systems and defense technologies.

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