Aircraft
Airbus Proves More A400M Capabilities, and Eyes Exports
But the airlifter can’t refuel helicopters, and negotiations with the partner nations over another contract amendment are continuing.
A development A400M lands on a gravel surface  runway. The airlifter has also landed on grass, soil and snow, and more tests next year will prove it can land on sand and other soft surfaces. (Photo: Airbus D&S)
A development A400M lands on a gravel surface runway. The airlifter has also landed on grass, soil and snow, and more tests next year will prove it can land on sand and other soft surfaces. (Photo: Airbus D&S)

Airbus Defence & Space reported substantial progress in the flight-testing of functions and capabilities for the A400M airlifter. But negotiations with the seven launch partner nations about amending the contract again will continue into next year. In the past 12 months, Airbus has made provision for losses of €841 million ($925.2 million) on the A400M.