This flight is the tenth performed by A400M MSN1 since its first flight on 11th December 2009. In total and until yesterday the aircraft has logged 39 hours of flight test.
The International Need

In a rapidly changing world, there is no telling where the next military threat, peace-keeping need or urgent request for humanitarian aid may arise.

Air mobility is vital in achieving the objective of getting people, equipment and supplies to any trouble spot rapidly and efficiently.

Aircraft types currently fulfilling the military tactical transport role in the world’s air forces are becoming obsolete either because of old age or because of difficult supportability.

Unable to carry much of today’s heavy military equipment, they do not meet the needs of modern rapid reaction forces.

A400M fills the logistic/tactical gap

The A400M is a larger, more modern, more flexible aircraft specifically designed for today’s requirements and those of the future.

This aircraft can travel further and faster with a larger payload. It is a multi-role transport, which is more economical to operate, and which exploits the benefits of state-of-the-art technology.

Airbus Military