Airbus Military has successfully completed testing to demonstrate the A400M airlifter’s ability to operate on wet runways and taxiways without ingesting water into the engines. During tests at Istres, France, the aircraft travelled through troughs containing 2-6 cm of water at speeds of up to 90kt in take-off and landing configurations, including operations with reverse thrust.
The Airbus A400M, also known as the Atlas, is a multi-national four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. It was designed by Airbus Military as a tactical airlifter with strategic capabilities. The aircraft’s maiden flight, originally planned for 2008, took place on 11 December 2009 in Seville, Spain. The A400M is currently undergoing flight testing. Orders totaled 174 aircraft from eight nations as of July 2011. Airbus Military is expected to deliver the first aircraft in early 2013.