A400M receives EASA initial type certificate
Airbus Military has announced that it has received the initial type certification for the A400M new generation airlifter, marking a key milestone on the road to first delivery around the turn of the year. The company announced 4 May, 2012, that this first approval, known as a Restricted Type Certificate (RTC), was presented by European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Executive Director Patrick Goudou at an internal ceremony today in Toulouse, France.
According to Airbus Military, the RTC is a critical step towards the award of full civil type certification which is expected in mid-2012 following the completion of 300 hours of function and reliability (F&R) flight tests. It will also pave the way for military initial operating clearance later in the year.
The aircraft has recently visited countries in Latin America and South East Asia as part of the flight-test, and is scheduled to travel to the nations that have placed orders for the aircraft as well as the Middle East in the frame of the F&R tests.
The company said that the fleet of five A400M development aircraft continues to make good progress in the intense flight-test campaign in order to ensure delivery of a reliable aircraft to our customer and has now completed more than 3,100 hours in the air, despite continued engine challenges.
More from Military Logistics
-
![Rolls-Royce gains major deal to support T-45 Goshawk engine]()
Rolls-Royce gains major deal to support T-45 Goshawk engine
New contract to support the Ardour turbofan is worth more than $1 billion.
-
![Brazil receives first A330 for multi-role operations]()
Brazil receives first A330 for multi-role operations
A pair of A330s will be converted by Airbus for aerial refuelling, logistical support, humanitarian aid, and medical evacuations.
-
![General Dynamics NASSCO to build three more US Navy replenishment vessels]()
General Dynamics NASSCO to build three more US Navy replenishment vessels
The latest $1.4 billion contract modification for General Dynamics NASSCO covers a new Expeditionary Sea Base ship and two more John Lewis-class fleet oilers.
-
![Australia onshores Super Hornet and Growler maintenance elements]()
Australia onshores Super Hornet and Growler maintenance elements
New MRO contract between Boeing Defence Australia and RUAG Australia replaces work previously done in the US.
-
![SEA to extend NSIPS to Queen Elizabeth-class carriers and Type 45 destroyers]()
SEA to extend NSIPS to Queen Elizabeth-class carriers and Type 45 destroyers
A systems integration contract for UK RN submarines is being extended to major surface vessels.
-
![USN exercises option for two more Navajo-class rescue and salvage ships]()
USN exercises option for two more Navajo-class rescue and salvage ships
Austal USA is to build two additional Navajo-class towing, salvage and rescue ships for the USN, after Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) exercised a $156.17 …
