A400M Engine Test Bed

[Systemessage]

Has anyone heard of or know anything about what's happening with the MA C130 with the Airbus engine?

Any idea when it's going to fly?

Thanks.

[NutLoose]

Any help?

http://www.a400m-countdown.com/index.php?v=8&spage=4

http://www.a400m-countdown.com/index.php?v=7

http://www.airbusmilitary.com/press.html

http://www.a400m-countdown.com/index.php?page=galerie&v=8&galerie=03_Powerplant

[Kitbag]

Probably not, the only relevant info was this bit:

Delivered to the Marshall Aerospace facility in Cambridge by Europrop International on November 19th, a TP400 development engine was installed on the wing of a converted C-130 Hercules aircraft on December 3rd. The aircraft, with the outsized engine mounted in place of the C-130’s inner port engine, is being readied by Marshall for flight tests that are due to begin in the spring of 2008.

By my reckoning Spring finishes pretty soon. Should one be suspecting problems with the engine or (more likely) the installation on an airframe (the Herc) not designed to take it?

[hon_bookie]

Engine is not up to spec, ground test more than flight test, and the paperwork and QA is proving a bugger.

At least that's what I heard, from a Marshall's QA guy last week.

[AARON O'DICKYDIDO]

I have heard that the first run with the engine fitted, not flying, is now due next Tuesday, 3/6/08.

[Tricorn]

Presumably 3/6/08 :ok:

[FTE Pruner]

"Presumably 3/6/08"

I didn't realise it was flying this coming Tuesday. That will be something worth seeing! :8

[AARON O'DICKYDIDO]

Tricorn / FTE Pruner

Thanks for the wake-up call.

OK. I've had a tiring week and I apologise for the mistakes. I have now amended my obvious errors.