Fri, Nov 27, 2009
Braking, Steering Systems Tested On Airbus Airlifter
The Airbus Military A400M airlifter
has moved under its own power for the first time as the aircraft
began its program of taxi tests. Confirming the rapid progress
being achieved in the test program, aircraft msn 01 completed
further engine runs on November 23rd, and was then taxied on the
maneuvering area at Airbus Military's Seville, Spain plant.
The aircraft performed a series of runs at low speed during
which the aircraft's braking and steering systems underwent initial
tests. Operating at speeds up to 20kt, the crew tested the normal,
alternate and emergency braking systems; the anti-skid system; and
the nosewheel steering and reverse power. Maneuvers conducted
during the 90 minute sortie included 180 degree turns and taxiing
in reverse.
Chief Test Pilot Military Ed Strongman said: "We were impressed
with the ease with which we could taxi the aircraft in terms of the
precision and ease of use of the nosewheel steering and the
effectiveness of the braking systems in this first test at low
speed."
The latest milestone followed several days of engine and systems
tests during which its four Europrop International (EPI) TP400
turboprops were run at progressively higher power settings, finally
reaching full take-off power. Extensive work was also performed on
the electrical and on-board data networks.
Taxi tests at increasingly high speeds are expected to be
carried out in the coming days.
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