Testing of the Airbus Military A400M airlifter continues, with the recent completion of high energy rejected takeoff and emergency evacuation tests.
The high energy rejected takeoff test saw A400M test aircraft ‘Grizzly 1’ simulate, at maximum takeoff weight, an aborted takeoff at the V1 decision speed from Toulouse’s runway 14R on September 17. As part of the test for certification authorities the aircraft had to taxi clear of the runway and stop for five minutes before firefighters were allowed to spray retardant on the brakes and wheels.
“As is typical in this test, three of the aircraft´s tyres deflated,” Airbus Military said in a statement. “There was no further damage and the test was highly successful.”
Emergency evacuation tests, meanwhile, took place at Airbus Military’s Seville facility over a period of several days, and saw troops and paratroopers evacuate the (as yet unflown) fifth test aircraft, which was configured in a variety of cargo, passenger and medical evacuation configurations.
