Testbed Problems Add To A400M Delay

By: Chris Pocock

September 16, 2008
Engines

The Europrop TP400 engine that has been fitted to a C-130 testbed at Cambridge, UK, by Marshall Aerospace ran at full power for the first time last week. But unanticipated problems integrating the 11,000-shp powerplant on the C-130 have further delayed the A400M program.

AIN understands that the problems have included vibration in the fuselage from the eight-blade propellers, and the need to protect the C-130’s rear wing and flap from the much greater heat produced by the TP400. The testbed engine replaces the aircraft’s port inboard 5,000-shp T56 turboprop.

In the 14 weeks since the TP400 was first ground-run on the C-130, only six hours have been logged. Program officials previously said that 30 hours of ground running would be required before the testbed could fly, and 50 hours of flight time would be required before the A400M could make its first flight.

The testbed is unlikely to fly before mid-November, a source told AIN. EADS CEO Louis Gallois said last week that the first flight of Europe’s new military transport could still take place by year-end.

Back

Honeywell Engine Deal for USAF Worth $400M June 17, 2009 Honeywell is celebrating a further $400 million worth of orders for its TPE331 engine following a U.S. Air Force decision to procure a total of... [more]
Chromalloy to repair F108 engine modules June 16, 2009 Chromalloy (Hall 3 Stand A33) has announced that the U.S. Air Force has selected it to provide module repairs during maintenance on the F108 gas... [more]
Pratt Inks Two Contracts for EcoPower Engine June 16, 2009 Pratt & Whitney has signed two more contracts for its EcoPower engine washing service. Amsterdam-based charter operator ArkeFly has inked a... [more]
Rolls-Royce To Research UCAV Powerplant June 16, 2009 Rolls-Royce has signed a jointly funded research and technology contract with the UK ministry of defense. Known as Engine Technologies for... [more]
Controp Adds To Sensor Payload Range June 16, 2009 Israeli EO/IR expert Controp has added a number of new products to its extensive range of sensor payloads, and they are on display here on its... [more]