A400M completes sand runway tests
Airbus Defence and Space has successfully demonstrated the capability of the A400M new generation airlifter to operate on a sand runway the last of three unprepared types of surface on which it will be certified. The tests using the development aircraft MSN2 took place over a three week period in August on a specially constructed airstrip at Woodbridge, UK.
Above:
A400M MSN2 taking off from Woodbridge in the UK.
Copyright Airbus
A final week of tests will include operations at increasingly higher weights. The A400M demonstrated excellent performance in taxying manoeuvres, such as U-turns, and during take-off and landing on the 1,600m (5,250ft) strip.
Copyright Airbus
These tests followed earlier successful results on the gravel surface at Ablitas in Spain and a grass runway at Écury in France.