Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:00:00 GMT
You'll probably recall that back in December a series of tests took place to determine what is known as the aircraft's minimum unstick speed, usually abbreviated to Vmu, and essentially the lowest speed at which the aircraft can possibly lift off the ground. In the last few days that part of the programme has been completed.
On most aircraft, including the A400M, Vmu is limited by how far the nose can be raised before the rear fuselage strikes the runway, and in the tests a large orange 'bumper' is fitted to that area to prevent damage to the aircraft. It makes for a dramatic image and you can see what goes on in the video below.
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Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:52:00 GMT
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Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:31:00 GMT
The first flight of the A400M, callsign Grizzly One, took place at Seville on 11 th December 2009. Chief Test Pilot Military, Edward “Ed” Strongman, captained the flight supported by Experimental Test Pilot Ignacio “Nacho” Lombo. The engineering team on board included: Senior Flight Test Engineer Jean-Philippe Cottet who had responsibility for the powerplants; Senior Flight Test Engineer Eric Isorce with responsibility for the aircraft systems and performance; Senior Flight Test Engineer Didier Ronceray with responsibility for the handling qualities of the aircraft; and Test Flight Engineer Gerard Leskerpit.
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Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:13:00 GMT
MSN1 first moved under its own power on 23rd November 2009. Chief Test Pilot Military Ed Strongman was at the controls as the aircraft left the engine run-up area and moved onto the ramp in front of the final assembly line (FAL).
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