A400M's TP400 engine taken to full thrust during second flight

By Niall O'Keeffe

The Airbus Military A400M airlifter's Europrop International TP400-D6 powerplant was run at "maximum power" during its second flight aboard a Lockheed Martin C-130 testbed from Cambridge, UK, on 27 January.

The milestone has been achieved earlier than expected, after industry sources indicated earlier this month that the powerplant was unlikely to be taken to full power until its seventh or eighth flight.

Airbus Military says yesterday's flight lasted 2h 20min, during which the TP400 was "pushed progressively" to take-off/go-around power and for "a couple of minutes" to maximum power. "All went well," the manufacturer adds.

The A400M is expected to have its delayed maiden flight later this year, and will not now enter service with the French air force until at least 2012.