PepeTheFrog wrote:

Wow, check out this air drop video with a Spanish A400M: https://twitter.com/AgueraMartin/status ... 0708028416

Ozair wrote:

PepeTheFrog wrote:

Wow, check out this air drop video with a Spanish A400M: https://twitter.com/AgueraMartin/status ... 0708028416

Crazy, must have been packed inside like sardines before the jump.

Grizzly410 wrote:

Ozair wrote:

PepeTheFrog wrote:

Wow, check out this air drop video with a Spanish A400M: https://twitter.com/AgueraMartin/status ... 0708028416

Crazy, must have been packed inside like sardines before the jump.

Packed as designed actually, 114 paratroopers jumped for 116 troop seat.
http://www.ejercitodelaire.mde.es/EA/ej ... -del-Aire/

Dumb question, sorry. They jump from the ramp, paratrooper doors are only certified for 80, 40x2 (116 soon). In operation, what's the difference to jump from ramp or side doors ? The use of static line ?
https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-r ... patch.html

PepeTheFrog wrote:

Wow, check out this air drop video with a Spanish A400M: https://twitter.com/AgueraMartin/status ... 0708028416

Slug71 wrote:

Hopefully this is the year that Airbus can get all the kinks worked out and get on track with the final certifications that need done.

For the most part, it seems the engine issues have been addressed. There doesn't seem to be much in the way of reports for the past year.

There hasn't been much at all about the low level, collision avoidance, and terrain following capabilities. So can one assume these are good to go?

It seems the major issues to be addressed now are the helicopter refueling and the paratrooper side doors. All of which have been worked on for some time. I imagine good progress is being made with the refueling since the tests began in September last year.

Grizzly410 wrote:

Slug71 wrote:

Hopefully this is the year that Airbus can get all the kinks worked out and get on track with the final certifications that need done.

For the most part, it seems the engine issues have been addressed. There doesn't seem to be much in the way of reports for the past year.

There hasn't been much at all about the low level, collision avoidance, and terrain following capabilities. So can one assume these are good to go?

It seems the major issues to be addressed now are the helicopter refueling and the paratrooper side doors. All of which have been worked on for some time. I imagine good progress is being made with the refueling since the tests began in September last year.

Paratrooper side door jump envelope to be extended from 40x2 to 58x2 soon, Helicopter refuel dry contacts done with H225, wet contact trials flight tests very soon, IRC certification flights planned before summer.
MSN56 is working hard on low level flight and associated features certification, but I believe these capabilities are to be delivered in a later year.

Slug71 wrote:

Grizzly410 wrote:

Slug71 wrote:

Hopefully this is the year that Airbus can get all the kinks worked out and get on track with the final certifications that need done.

For the most part, it seems the engine issues have been addressed. There doesn't seem to be much in the way of reports for the past year.

There hasn't been much at all about the low level, collision avoidance, and terrain following capabilities. So can one assume these are good to go?

It seems the major issues to be addressed now are the helicopter refueling and the paratrooper side doors. All of which have been worked on for some time. I imagine good progress is being made with the refueling since the tests began in September last year.

Paratrooper side door jump envelope to be extended from 40x2 to 58x2 soon, Helicopter refuel dry contacts done with H225, wet contact trials flight tests very soon, IRC certification flights planned before summer.
MSN56 is working hard on low level flight and associated features certification, but I believe these capabilities are to be delivered in a later year.

Thanks for the updates. Do you know how the proximity tests with the H160 went?

Grizzly410 wrote:

Slug71 wrote:

Grizzly410 wrote:

Paratrooper side door jump envelope to be extended from 40x2 to 58x2 soon, Helicopter refuel dry contacts done with H225, wet contact trials flight tests very soon, IRC certification flights planned before summer.
MSN56 is working hard on low level flight and associated features certification, but I believe these capabilities are to be delivered in a later year.

Thanks for the updates. Do you know how the proximity tests with the H160 went?

Unfortunately nothing more than "no issue has been reported."
Last week the pods have been installed on MSN4 and then it flew to Istres, I suspect we'll know more soon !

Airbus incurred a fresh €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) charge against its A400M tactical transport programme in the fourth quarter of 2019, having “reassessed its assumptions on future export deliveries”.

Detailing the development in a full-year results announcement on 13 February, Airbus says: “While the rebaselining of the A400M programme was completed and significant progress has been made on technical capabilities, the outlook is increasingly challenging on exports during the launch contract phase, also in light of the repeatedly extended German export ban to Saudi Arabia.”

Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury describes the German government’s action as creating “significant headwinds on export”, and says the company is “awaiting clarification” regarding its potential further impact.

...

Ozair wrote:

Another year another financial hit on Airbus for the A400M. Good at least to see perhaps some rational realistic discussion may be had on the export potential…

Airbus takes hit as A400M faces export hurdles

Airbus incurred a fresh €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) charge against its A400M tactical transport programme in the fourth quarter of 2019, having “reassessed its assumptions on future export deliveries”.

Detailing the development in a full-year results announcement on 13 February, Airbus says: “While the rebaselining of the A400M programme was completed and significant progress has been made on technical capabilities, the outlook is increasingly challenging on exports during the launch contract phase, also in light of the repeatedly extended German export ban to Saudi Arabia.”

Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury describes the German government’s action as creating “significant headwinds on export”, and says the company is “awaiting clarification” regarding its potential further impact.

...

https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/ai ... 39.article

Ozair wrote:

Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury describes the German government’s action as creating “significant headwinds on export”, and says the company is “awaiting clarification” regarding its potential further impact.

mxaxai wrote:

There's a recent video in pilot's eye style that follows a logistical transport flight (soldiers, luggage, light cargo) from Germany to Jordan and back: https://youtu.be/B1sxGuHqbKI
Approximately 5 hours flight time @ FL350 each way, though the video was shortened to 55 minutes.
Plenty of cockpit views, ATC recordings, as well as of the cargo hold and pre-/postflight. The entire commentary is in German, though, so you might want to turn sound off.

Ozair wrote:

Interesting video, thanks for posting. Do you or anyone else know if there is an internal spall liner option available for the A400?

mxaxai wrote:

Ozair wrote:

Interesting video, thanks for posting. Do you or anyone else know if there is an internal spall liner option available for the A400?

I've seen some add-on light arms protection mats for the cockpit crew (available on all Airbus products upon customer request IIRC) but nothing comparable for the cargo / passenger compartments. Whether there is armor already integrated into the structure, I don't know. The fuselage is equipped with a propeller ice shield (like all turboprops), though.

Grizzly410 wrote:

mxaxai wrote:

Ozair wrote:

Interesting video, thanks for posting. Do you or anyone else know if there is an internal spall liner option available for the A400?

I've seen some add-on light arms protection mats for the cockpit crew (available on all Airbus products upon customer request IIRC) but nothing comparable for the cargo / passenger compartments. Whether there is armor already integrated into the structure, I don't know. The fuselage is equipped with a propeller ice shield (like all turboprops), though.

Mxaxai answer guide me but not sure exactly what you mean by “internal spall liner”…
Is it about additional protections, armouring ? In which case there is only an armouring kit for the cockpit and loadmaster workstation, ~1000 kg added weight.

Ozair wrote:

Watching the video triggered the question of whether the aircraft was fitted with it, or if the option was available, when operating into Afghanistan, Mali etc. Noting the armour kit for the cockpit and loadmaster station I expect a cargo bay spall liner for the A400M would be a third party item similar to other armour kits on comparable transport aircraft.

The Spanish Ministry of Defence (MoD) has utilised an Airbus-owned and operated A400M transport aircraft to deliver face masks to help combat the coronavirus.

The airlift, which took place the day prior to Airbus' announcement on 24 March, saw aircraft MSN56 fly "thousands" of masks from the company's Toulouse headquarters in southern France to Getafe Air Base near Madrid, in Spain.

As noted by Airbus, the masks which were part of a consignment of two million delivered to Europe from China, are destined for use in the Spanish health system.

"This air-bridge will enable the delivery of a significant supply of masks to the Spanish public health network in support of current Covid-19 crisis efforts. This comes on top of donations by Airbus in recent days to provide thousands of masks to hospitals and public services around Europe. The company will continue to provide support with additional flights planned to take place in the coming days in co-ordination with national authorities," the company said in a statement.

News of the A400M airlift came five days after Airbus confirmed to Jane's that it was one of a number of aerospace and automotive companies that had responded to the UK government's call to develop and build ventilators to help cope with the worsening coronavirus pandemic.

"These are unprecedented times and Airbus will help where it can. Our engineers and technology teams in France, Germany, Spain, and the UK are investigating the practicalities of how we might best support the design, manufacturing, and assembly of critical medical equipment," Airbus told Jane's on 19 March.

...

Ozair wrote:

Interesting that an Airbus owned A400M is delivering the face masks and not a Spanish Air Force A400M?

The cargo is part of the approximately 2 million masks transported over the weekend by a test Airbus A330-800 aircraft from Tianjin, China, to Europe.

This air-bridge will enable the delivery of a significant supply of masks to the Spanish public health network in support of current COVID-19 crisis efforts. This comes on top of donations by Airbus in recent days to provide thousands of masks to hospitals and public services around Europe. The Company will continue to support with additional flights planned to take place in the coming days in coordination with national authorities.

Noray wrote:

Ozair wrote:

Interesting that an Airbus owned A400M is delivering the face masks and not a Spanish Air Force A400M?

This is what the original Airbus press release says (bold text highlighted by me):

The cargo is part of the approximately 2 million masks transported over the weekend by a test Airbus A330-800 aircraft from Tianjin, China, to Europe.

This air-bridge will enable the delivery of a significant supply of masks to the Spanish public health network in support of current COVID-19 crisis efforts. This comes on top of donations by Airbus in recent days to provide thousands of masks to hospitals and public services around Europe. The Company will continue to support with additional flights planned to take place in the coming days in coordination with national authorities.

I wouldn't expect the Spanish Air Force to complete donations by Airbus. A military transport aircraft like the A400M isn't even required for that kind of cargo.

Noray wrote:

Ozair wrote:

Interesting that an Airbus owned A400M is delivering the face masks and not a Spanish Air Force A400M?

This is what the original Airbus press release says (bold text highlighted by me):

The cargo is part of the approximately 2 million masks transported over the weekend by a test Airbus A330-800 aircraft from Tianjin, China, to Europe.

This air-bridge will enable the delivery of a significant supply of masks to the Spanish public health network in support of current COVID-19 crisis efforts. This comes on top of donations by Airbus in recent days to provide thousands of masks to hospitals and public services around Europe. The Company will continue to support with additional flights planned to take place in the coming days in coordination with national authorities.

I wouldn't expect the Spanish Air Force to complete donations by Airbus. A military transport aircraft like the A400M isn't even required for that kind of cargo.

ThePointblank wrote:

Noray wrote:

Ozair wrote:

Interesting that an Airbus owned A400M is delivering the face masks and not a Spanish Air Force A400M?

This is what the original Airbus press release says (bold text highlighted by me):

The cargo is part of the approximately 2 million masks transported over the weekend by a test Airbus A330-800 aircraft from Tianjin, China, to Europe.

This air-bridge will enable the delivery of a significant supply of masks to the Spanish public health network in support of current COVID-19 crisis efforts. This comes on top of donations by Airbus in recent days to provide thousands of masks to hospitals and public services around Europe. The Company will continue to support with additional flights planned to take place in the coming days in coordination with national authorities.

I wouldn't expect the Spanish Air Force to complete donations by Airbus. A military transport aircraft like the A400M isn't even required for that kind of cargo.

No, but a military airlifter is closer to the ground, and is easier and quicker to load and unload. Either drive a forklift directly onto the aircraft and pull the pallets off that way, or if you do have K-loader, it's a faster process.

Grizzly410 wrote:

Is it possible France cannot MEDEVAC in A400M now just because it prioritize the MRTT for this role and it will be enabled at some point anyway on A400M ?

Qualification training takes three months and is carried out at Seville. According to Capt. Guerrero: “The pilot goes on to manage the cockpit more than to fly the aircraft. You have a lot of work on the ground to prepare the flight before departure. Flying at the logistics level (phase in which we are now) this is rather boring, on the tactical level sure that is more fun".

Noray wrote:

A Spanish Air Force A400M currently is in Shanghai to load more medical equipment.
https://twitter.com/EjercitoAire/status ... 7532422145

Noray wrote:

A military transport aircraft like the A400M isn't even required for that kind of cargo.

Grizzly410 wrote:

Is it possibleFrance cannot MEDEVAC in A400M now just because it prioritize the MRTT for this role and it will be enabled at some point anyway on A400M ?

Grizzly410 wrote:

Is it possibleFrance cannot MEDEVAC in A400M now just because it prioritize the MRTT for this role and it will be enabled at some point anyway on A400M ?

Ozair wrote:

Noray wrote:

A Spanish Air Force A400M currently is in Shanghai to load more medical equipment.
https://twitter.com/EjercitoAire/status ... 7532422145

Noray wrote:

A military transport aircraft like the A400M isn't even required for that kind of cargo.

Good to see Spain using the A400M no matter the cargo. Do we know where the A400M was going to fuel stop on the way given the distance between Shanghai and Madrid is greater than the range of the aircraft?

Airbus has temporarily closed its operations in Spain in line with a royal decree limiting movement and industrial activity in the country.

The move, announced by the company on 30 March, will see all non-essential work at its Spanish facilities cease until 9 April as the country’s government battles the coronavirus.

In terms of Airbus’ industrial footprint in Spain, this will most dramatically affect the Airbus Defence and Space (DS) CN235, C295 and A400M assembly lines in Seville in the south of the country, and the A300 MultiRole Tanker Transport (MRTT) conversion facility in Getafe, near Madrid. In addition, Airbus Helicopters’ NH90 and Tiger facilities will be similarly affected.

A spokesperson for Airbus DS told Jane’s that the company will continue to provide industrial support for its products that are operated by the Spanish military and police. “Essential work will continue, mainly in support of the Spanish Air Force operating C212, CN235, C295 and A400M military airplanes, and the Super Puma and NH90 helicopters. There are also H135 and H145 helicopters in use with the Guardia Civil, Police and emergency services,” the spokesperson said.

...

With its single-rail system, the CME is designed for independent loading and unloading of the A400M. Weights of up to five tonnes can be lifted and transported from the cargo hold to the apron (or vice versa). The CME is controlled by its remote control unit, which is connected to the interface of a panel located in the rear cargo hold of the aircraft.

Grizzly410 wrote:

Question for the thread resident here

Recently a German A400M took 2 serious COVID-19 cases from france to germany in an MEDEVAC configuration, a french aerospace/defense reporter (Jean Do Merchet) asked if France had A400M MEDEVAC capacity too n their A400M and so far nobody provided him evidence the french A400M had this capability enabled...

I know every A400M have everything avail in the cargo to fit a medevac kit (power, oxy outlets for example), but I'm sure such kit isn't delivered with the A/C itself.
France have other way to perform the role, like the A330MRTT Phenix in MORPHEE config https://www.defense.gouv.fr/content/dow ... nix_BD.pdf)
Is it possibleFrance cannot MEDEVAC in A400M now just because it prioritize the MRTT for this role and it will be enabled at some point anyway on A400M ?

Noray wrote:

Grizzly410 wrote:

Question for the thread resident here

Recently a German A400M took 2 serious COVID-19 cases from france to germany in an MEDEVAC configuration, a french aerospace/defense reporter (Jean Do Merchet) asked if France had A400M MEDEVAC capacity too n their A400M and so far nobody provided him evidence the french A400M had this capability enabled...

I know every A400M have everything avail in the cargo to fit a medevac kit (power, oxy outlets for example), but I'm sure such kit isn't delivered with the A/C itself.
France have other way to perform the role, like the A330MRTT Phenix in MORPHEE config https://www.defense.gouv.fr/content/dow ... nix_BD.pdf)
Is it possibleFrance cannot MEDEVAC in A400M now just because it prioritize the MRTT for this role and it will be enabled at some point anyway on A400M ?

With some help from the British Defense Equipement and Support, the French DGA has quickly provided adapters that allow the use of intensive care modules in French A400Ms. They can now transport four Covid-19 patients in one A400M flight.
https://twitter.com/DGA/status/1246143363570638848

Grizzly410 wrote:

Where do you see a reference to British defense in you link ?
It seems to be french DGA authorizing the french air force to use french SAMU (Service d'Aide Medicale d'Urgence) material to move french people between two french region... What Britain would have to do here ?

What I'm missing ?

La DGA a commandé au #SIAé des adaptateurs permettant d’accrocher les modules de soins intensifs au plancher de l’A400M. Le modèle de ces adaptateurs a été fourni à la DGA par son homologue #britannique la Defense Equipement and Support @DefenceES

Noray wrote:

Grizzly410 wrote:

Where do you see a reference to British defense in you link ?
It seems to be french DGA authorizing the french air force to use french SAMU (Service d'Aide Medicale d'Urgence) material to move french people between two french region... What Britain would have to do here ?

What I'm missing ?

It's in the following post of that thread. https://twitter.com/DGA/status/1246143368666767363

La DGA a commandé au #SIAé des adaptateurs permettant d’accrocher les modules de soins intensifs au plancher de l’A400M. Le modèle de ces adaptateurs a été fourni à la DGA par son homologue #britannique la Defense Equipement and Support @DefenceES

Luxembourg’s lone A400M tactical transport made a 5h flight debut from Airbus Defence & Space’s San Pablo final assembly site in Seville, Spain, on 13 April.

The Europrop International TP400-D6-powered airlifter (MSN104/CT-01) is scheduled to be delivered before the end of the second quarter of this year, its manufacturer says.

Once operational, the Luxembourg-owned asset will be assigned to a joint unit also including the Belgian Air Component’s eventual seven-strong Atlas fleet.

...

Ozair wrote:

Luxembourg's only ordered A400M has flown and will be tested before delivery later this year. It will be operated in a joint unit with Belgium's aircraft.

Luxembourg’s A400M completes 5h debut flight

Luxembourg’s lone A400M tactical transport made a 5h flight debut from Airbus Defence & Space’s San Pablo final assembly site in Seville, Spain, on 13 April.

The Europrop International TP400-D6-powered airlifter (MSN104/CT-01) is scheduled to be delivered before the end of the second quarter of this year, its manufacturer says.

Once operational, the Luxembourg-owned asset will be assigned to a joint unit also including the Belgian Air Component’s eventual seven-strong Atlas fleet.

...

https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing ... 69.article

Image from EDR online.


Anyone know if this is the first aircraft for the joint fleet as it appears that Belgium has yet to receive its A400Ms?

Grizzly410, is a five hour debut flight standard?

Ozair wrote:

Anyone know if this is the first aircraft for the joint fleet as it appears that Belgium has yet to receive its A400Ms?

Grizzly410, is a five hour debut flight standard?

Grizzly410 wrote:

Ozair wrote:

Anyone know if this is the first aircraft for the joint fleet as it appears that Belgium has yet to receive its A400Ms?

Grizzly410, is a five hour debut flight standard?

You are right the Luxembourg one, MSN104, is coming first in the joint fleet. Belgian MSN106 and 109 aren't far away, though.

5h seems to me normal for a FF, if anything could be slightly shorter than usual given it flew close to Sevilla when they usually go over the Mediterranean sea.
https://twitter.com/AgueraMartin/status ... 30880?s=20

You got me curious, tomorrow I'll have a look to recent FF

Ozair wrote:

Grizzly410 wrote:

Ozair wrote:

Anyone know if this is the first aircraft for the joint fleet as it appears that Belgium has yet to receive its A400Ms?

Grizzly410, is a five hour debut flight standard?

You are right the Luxembourg one, MSN104, is coming first in the joint fleet. Belgian MSN106 and 109 aren't far away, though.

5h seems to me normal for a FF, if anything could be slightly shorter than usual given it flew close to Sevilla when they usually go over the Mediterranean sea.
https://twitter.com/AgueraMartin/status ... 30880?s=20

You got me curious, tomorrow I'll have a look to recent FF

Thanks Grizzly410 and bspc.

I'm surprised at five hours being normal but that isn't based on anything other than my own expectations (and lack of knowledge of large aircraft testing) so appreciate any additional info or confirmation you have.

Grizzly410 wrote:

Ozair wrote:

Grizzly410 wrote:

You are right the Luxembourg one, MSN104, is coming first in the joint fleet. Belgian MSN106 and 109 aren't far away, though.

5h seems to me normal for a FF, if anything could be slightly shorter than usual given it flew close to Sevilla when they usually go over the Mediterranean sea.
https://twitter.com/AgueraMartin/status ... 30880?s=20

You got me curious, tomorrow I'll have a look to recent FF

Thanks Grizzly410 and bspc.

I'm surprised at five hours being normal but that isn't based on anything other than my own expectations (and lack of knowledge of large aircraft testing) so appreciate any additional info or confirmation you have.

5h seemed to me normal and it appears that’s very close to the average!
The last 10 FF have an 5h10 average flight time even counting the short MSN099 FF of 2h40 (must have canceled after an issue preventing the full FF testing).

It’s a long flight because there is much to do, simplifying a lot :
During the climb all standard system are checked in various mode. Flights control, autoflight, navigation, communication, air cond……
Level at FL3xx, specific checks at altitude : fuel Xfer, APU start, Engine param, air cond, anti-ice, perfo at high MACH
Enjoy descent to overspeed a bit
Than various level, short time at FL200 playing with fuel, ramp, and checking perfo. ~FL100 at low speed and various config, LG ext&retract, ramp and PT door opening.
Finally 3 approach in various mode, ILS, Tactical, Emergency….

Ozair wrote:

Grizzly410 wrote:

Ozair wrote:

Thanks Grizzly410 and bspc.

I'm surprised at five hours being normal but that isn't based on anything other than my own expectations (and lack of knowledge of large aircraft testing) so appreciate any additional info or confirmation you have.

5h seemed to me normal and it appears that’s very close to the average!
The last 10 FF have an 5h10 average flight time even counting the short MSN099 FF of 2h40 (must have canceled after an issue preventing the full FF testing).

It’s a long flight because there is much to do, simplifying a lot :
During the climb all standard system are checked in various mode. Flights control, autoflight, navigation, communication, air cond……
Level at FL3xx, specific checks at altitude : fuel Xfer, APU start, Engine param, air cond, anti-ice, perfo at high MACH
Enjoy descent to overspeed a bit
Than various level, short time at FL200 playing with fuel, ramp, and checking perfo. ~FL100 at low speed and various config, LG ext&retract, ramp and PT door opening.
Finally 3 approach in various mode, ILS, Tactical, Emergency….

Thanks! You also anticipated my next question with a review of what they actually test. Is that the only test flight before delivery or are there a few more?

Grizzly410 wrote:

Ozair wrote:

Grizzly410 wrote:

5h seemed to me normal and it appears that’s very close to the average!
The last 10 FF have an 5h10 average flight time even counting the short MSN099 FF of 2h40 (must have canceled after an issue preventing the full FF testing).

It’s a long flight because there is much to do, simplifying a lot :
During the climb all standard system are checked in various mode. Flights control, autoflight, navigation, communication, air cond……
Level at FL3xx, specific checks at altitude : fuel Xfer, APU start, Engine param, air cond, anti-ice, perfo at high MACH
Enjoy descent to overspeed a bit
Than various level, short time at FL200 playing with fuel, ramp, and checking perfo. ~FL100 at low speed and various config, LG ext&retract, ramp and PT door opening.
Finally 3 approach in various mode, ILS, Tactical, Emergency….

Thanks! You also anticipated my next question with a review of what they actually test. Is that the only test flight before delivery or are there a few more?

The first flight is the final assembly check, once checklist complete the aircraft is out of the FAL and goes to delivery.
Should be a single flight but have to repeat if checklist isn't complete for whatever reason. It's a milestone where nothing can be postponed and checked later.

Then, in Delivery, there is at least one Customer Acceptance flight, operated by a mixed crew : Airbus+Customer.
I don't know how it's negotiated moneywise but customer sometimes request various flight, to check technical snag discovered during first CA flight possibly but more often to check various config. With or without pods, armouring kit, cargo tanks, crane...

There is nearly never more than two production flight.
It obviously varies much more for customer flight, which are technical but also a bit "political". It's usually between one and three flights.

A400M wins certification for automatic low-level flight

Inherent to the fighter aircraft world, and as a unique capability for a military transport aircraft, automatic low-level flight improves the A400M’s terrain masking and survivability, making the aircraft less detectable in hostile areas and less susceptible to threats when cruising towards key military operations like aerial delivery, air-to-air refuelling, logistic or other specific special operations

Noray wrote:

The certification of automatic low-level flight under visual meteorological conditions has now been achieved. Automatic low-level flight under instrument meteorological conditions is expected to be certified in the second quarter of 2021.

A400M wins certification for automatic low-level flight

Inherent to the fighter aircraft world, and as a unique capability for a military transport aircraft, automatic low-level flight improves the A400M’s terrain masking and survivability, making the aircraft less detectable in hostile areas and less susceptible to threats when cruising towards key military operations like aerial delivery, air-to-air refuelling, logistic or other specific special operations

While the French forces recently have allowed the operational release of 30 paratroopers through a single side door, the CQC (international Certification and Qualification Committee for the A400M) is already two steps further. On 14 May 2020 it announced that simultaneous jumps out of both side doors have been certified for up to 116 paratroopers, which is the A400M's full capacity.

France will receive the first new machine with the new capabilities in the beginning of 2021. By summer of that year, five more French A400Ms are to be retrofitted to that standard, according to the French Direction générale de l’armement (DGA). Nouvelles certifications militaires pour l’avion de transport A400M Atlas (French)