June and July have been a busy time on the A400 programme. All four TP400-D6 engines have now been installed on the A400M MSN 001.
Engine installation was followed by the mounting of the propellers. Together with the 10,000 HP engine conform the powerplant combination that will provide the driving force of the A400M. The four huge Ratier-Figeac / Hamilton Sundstrand 5.3 metre diameter propellers driven by the combined 40,000 HP of the engines will enable the A400M to attain cruising speeds of up to 430 kts (true airspeed).
The eight-bladed propellers manufactured in France from woven composite material are amongst the largest of such in the world. This puts the A400M in the class of the fastest turboprops allowing speeds and climb performance similar to turbofan-powered aircraft. The A400M's engine/propeller rotation configuration is described as "Down Between Engines" and provides numerous advantages in terms of aerodynamic efficiency and structural design. The state-of-the-art scimitar-shaped blades are in handed pairs turning in opposite directions on each wing.
Related to Flight Clearance activities 1700 hours have been accumulated of engine ground testing, involving more than 10 different prototype engines and 6 different test facilities that allow sea level and altitude engine mechanical and functional demonstration as well as outdoor testing with propeller.
