The A400M is on track for full certification following its latest critical flight test activity

Airbus Military’s A400M has achieved the last major requirement for its full type certification with completion of Function & Reliability (F&R) flight testing – which evaluated this new-generation military airlifter’s behavior in conditions representative of normal in-flight operations. The testing was completed in 32 days using the first production-representative A400M, involving 52 flights and visits to 10 different airfields. The A400M is expected to receive its full civil type and military Initial Operating Capability certifications during the first quarter of 2013, with delivery of the French Air Force’s initial aircraft planned for later in the year.