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30 Apr 2008  -  Europe

First A400M moves to next assembly station approaching first flight

© EADS

The first A400M, MSN001, has just left on April 14, 2008 station 40 where all the aircraft systems’ interfaces have been connected and the electrical system has been successfully tested with power-on. These activities are in line with the current programme plan.

From station 40 the aircraft has been moved to station 35 where all the systems on board will be checked for compliance with design requirements and data automatically recorded for later analysis and evaluation. This represents an important step forward as station 35 is one of the few stations left before First Flight.

In previous operations undertaken at station 40, the complete airframe was assembled with the wings and the vertical and horizontal tail planes being joined to the fuselage. On this particular first aircraft, the work at this station was temporary interrupted to proceed with the required structural ground test prior to First Flight.

Engine installation on MSN001 is now underway. Since delivery to FAL, intensive work around the engines have been performed following the scheduled activities:

Incoming inspection, engine build up/dressing process (station 25-equipping), in which the engines are equipped with the electrical harnesses, different pipes and airframe components required prior installation on the MSN001. Normal functioning checks and power assurance have also being performed. At station 25, the flight test instrumentation is also installed on this development aircraft. Later, the four engines will be moved to station 20 for installation on the aircraft.

Engine Flight Clearance activities continue and the dedicated Flying Test Bed, a modified C-130 aircraft on which a TP400 engine has been installed, is being readied to begin the flight test programme, which will begin shortly.

About EADS
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of € 39.1 billion and employed a workforce of about 116,000. The Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programmes from Ariane to Galileo. Its Defence & Security Division is a provider of comprehensive systems solutions and makes EADS the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium as well as a stakeholder in the missile systems provider MBDA. EADS also develops the A400M through its Military Transport Aircraft Division.

Source : EADS