Good Morning Quid,
I think that Max Lenz was talking about the Airbus policy of "optimized V-speeds", this is also called "overspeed or improved climb", its basically a case of trading excess field length for speed.
It gets pretty confusing to see a 30 knot V1 increase for a 5,000 kgs increase in weight, but this happens at lower weights on the A300.
Boeing and McDD will allow you to do the same thing, the following blurb comes from some Boeing notes on the subject.
For best runway performance, the aircraft manufacturer will endeavor to establish the lowest possible takeoff speed schedule consistent with FAR25. This philosophy results in V2 speeds which are invariably somewhat below the optimum for climb gradients.
The improved climb procedure is a technique to increase the normal V2 speed towards the optimum gradient speed. The resulting gradient improvement at a given gross weight can then be traded for a higher gross weight at the same gradient.
If the V2 has to be increased then the associated V1 and VR must also be increased in order that the V2 for improved climb can be reached by 35 feet. Obviously the higher speeds for takeoff will require additional field length which must be available in order to use the improved climb technique to any degree. Additionally, at higher speeds, tire speed limits and brake energy V1 restrictions not encountered in the normal takeoff case may come into the problem.
The technique can also be used to enhance obstacle clearance capability.
Mutt