Europrop International’s (EPI) first prototype TP400-D6 turboprop engine for the Airbus Military A400M transport is expected to complete an initial series of ground tests at a Snecma open-air facility at Istres in southern France within the next few weeks.
The A400M’s full propulsion system underwent its first official test run on 28 February, including its 5.3m (17.4ft)-diameter Ratier-Figeac eight-bladed propeller, Avio gearbox and control system, the latter managing operation of the core engine, propeller and nacelle equipment. The test involved the powerplant operating through feathered and flight idle conditions at an output of 1,000shp (745kW) and 1,600shp, respectively, reaching around 15% of the TP400’s full capacity of 11,000shp. This performance will be built on by gradually increasing its output to 10,600shp.
Flight Global
The A400M’s full propulsion system underwent its first official test run on 28 February, including its 5.3m (17.4ft)-diameter Ratier-Figeac eight-bladed propeller, Avio gearbox and control system, the latter managing operation of the core engine, propeller and nacelle equipment. The test involved the powerplant operating through feathered and flight idle conditions at an output of 1,000shp (745kW) and 1,600shp, respectively, reaching around 15% of the TP400’s full capacity of 11,000shp. This performance will be built on by gradually increasing its output to 10,600shp.
Flight Global
