All four TP400-D6 engines have now been installed on the wing of A400M MSN 001. The work was completed at the end of week 20 at “Station 35” of the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Seville, where the first A400M is being readied for its roll out in front of an international public towards the end of June this year.

Engine installation is followed by the mounting of the four huge, eight-bladed Ratier Figeac propellers, which, together with the 11,000 shaft horsepower of each engine, make up the power plant combination that will provide the driving force of the A400M.

The four 5.3 metre diameter propellers driven by the combined 44,000 shp of the engines will enable the A400M to attain cruising speeds of up to 430kts (true airspeed). This is an outstanding performance for a turbo-prop, which compares favourably with that of some turbo-jet powered aircraft