That Airbus Military has to start a key A400M test campaign about one month late is disappointing. But of greater concern could be that problems with the aircraft's Europrop International (EPI) TP400D engine are again rearing their ugly head. The uncertainty over the propulsion system comes as Airbus Military is in an intense development period for the airlifter and is trying to launch 300 hr. of so-called function and reliability (F&R) testing, in which the aircraft has to demonstrate to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification authority that the airlifter is operationally ready. That trial period, using the development aircraft closest to the production standard (MSN6), was to have begun more than two weeks ago, but an inflight vibration problem is forcing the change of the No. 2 engine. This problem could delay the start of testing for another week or more.
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