Tue, Jan 12, 2010
Test Crew Concentrated On Flight In Different Aircraft
Configurations
Despite
earlier reports that EADS Airbus may be considering scrapping
the project, the Airbus Military A400M airlifter has flown for the
third time as the flight-test program for the type picks up pace
after the year-end break.
In a two hour 25 minute sortie from Seville, Spain, on 7th
January, the test crew concentrated on exploring flight in
different aircraft configurations. The aircraft, known as MSN1, has
now completed nine hours and 20 minutes flying.
Test pilot Michel Gagneux became the third pilot to fly the
aircraft, supporting Captain Nacho Lombo. Airbus head of flight
operations Fernando Alonso also flew on the aircraft for the first
time, acting as flight test engineer.
"It was a very satisfying moment to take part in this
successful third flight," Alonso said. "We made considerable
progress in further exploring the aircraft's behaviour in different
configurations and were pleased with what we saw. The flight
program is progressing well and in the days ahead, now that the
operational flight envelope has been cleared, we will be flying
regularly further evaluating the aircraft's handling
characteristics and doing initial systems evaluations."
The rhythm of flight testing is expected to increase
substantially in the coming days. Overall, this first aircraft is
expected to fly for some 1,200 hours during the 3,700hr test
program involving five aircraft which will lead to first delivery
of the type in late 2012.
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