Airbus obtains automatic low-level flight certification for A400M
Airbus has secured automatic low-level flight certification for the A400M, following tests over the Pyrenees and across central France in April.
The aircraft performed operations down to 500ft altitude and completed transitions from low-level flight to aerial deliveries.
Processes of the certification involve operations with Visual Meteorological Conditions which were met in April meaning that its crew had visibility during the flight.
However, the second phase which has yet to be completed includes Instrumental Meteorological Conditions without visibility. This stage is scheduled to be met by Q2 FY2021.
Being able to operate at low altitude, the A400M has increased its ability to avoid detection in hostile areas and is less susceptible to threats when carrying out air delivery, air-to-air refuelling or other logistical operations.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Anduril to supply loitering munitions to Ukraine with UK funding]()
Anduril to supply loitering munitions to Ukraine with UK funding
Since July 2024, the UK Government has provided more than £5.26 billion in support to Ukraine, including £3 billion in annual military aid and a £2.26 billion loan for defence spending. The latest deal will see Anduril supply Altius-600M and Altius-700M loitering munitions.
-
![Will tomorrow’s US Air Force fleet be pilotless?]()
Will tomorrow’s US Air Force fleet be pilotless?
The US Air Force has been showing an increasing interest in adding trusted uncrewed capabilities to its aircraft inventory.
-
![Boeing delivers last Apache AH-64E Guardian attack helicopter to British Army]()
Boeing delivers last Apache AH-64E Guardian attack helicopter to British Army
The helicopters have been remanufactured using common parts from the British Army AH-64 MkI fleet with the 17 not being converted going for a range of uses such as engineering, ground handling and other training.
-
![Initial flight testing completed of LRASM anti-ship missile on F-35]()
Initial flight testing completed of LRASM anti-ship missile on F-35
The AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) is a precision-guided, anti-ship standoff missile based on the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM-ER). It is being developed to meet US requirements and in 2020 the sale was approved to Australia of up to 200 LRASM for an estimated cost of US$990 million.
