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.