The first A400M (MSN1) has left the Final Assembly Line (FAL) on 2nd September, to be moved to the next ground test station which now is outdoors. This follows satisfactory completion of all indoor ground testing on station 35.
Those included verification and checks of all the systems and of the modifications and improvements that were embodied into MSN1 over the past months to make it a more mature aircraft at First Flight.
Trials to be performed on the first outdoor station (station 30) include fuel tests, pressurisation tests, as well as navigation and communication checks, and will last approximately two weeks. Subsequently, the aircraft will receive its engines and the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU).
Actually, all four engines have already been assembled, and are fitted with their propellers, awaiting installation of the final FADEC engine software. They are to be mounted onto the aircraft in CW 38.
Pending installation of the engines, the aircraft is fitted with dummy engines to simulate the weight in the wings and to allow for proper fuel calibration tests (on station 30).
First Flight of the A400M is to take place around the turn of the year.
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