Airbus A400M achieves paratrooper simultaneous dispatch certification
The Airbus A400M transport aircraft has achieved certification of its simultaneous paratrooper dispatch capability and completed full industrial development of the paratrooping deployment capacity.
The certification flight test was competed in May 2020 in partnership with the French defence procurement agency DGA, as well as the Belgian and French Armed Forces.
More than 1,000 jumps were carried out, along with the implementation of new development methodologies based on recording and 3D modelling of paratrooper jump trajectories.
The aircraft can dispatch up to 116 paratroopers using both side doors of the A400M.
Dirk Hoke, CEO of Airbus Defence & Space, said: ‘This certification completes a challenging journey to achieve this next generation capability. The achievement reinforces the strategic value that the A400M already offers to air force operators.’
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order]()
Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order
The first of the 12 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Austrian Air Force by 2028, according to the company.
-
![2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending]()
2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending
Qatar and Indonesia followed the US’s high spending on new uncrewed aerial vehicle contracts across 2025, while MALE and micro drones and loitering munitions were particularly popular subcategories this year.
-
![German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery]()
German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery
With all 31 aircraft set to be delivered by 2030, the helicopters will gradually replace the ageing Sea Lynx fleet which are due to be retired in 2026.
