A400M First Flight

11th December 2009

Speaking at the A400M First Flight event in Seville, EPI President Nick Durham said:
"It was fantastic seeing the aircraft take to the skies for the first time and the culmination of a tremendous amount of hard work from everyone at EPI and the extended team in the four Partner Companies. "Today's flight proves that the engines can deliver the level of performance that they were designed for - which comes as no surprise to us as it confirms the data that we have been getting from the extensive ground and flying test bed programmes. "One of the main comments that I've heard from the people here is how quiet the aircraft was on take-off. We now look forward to supporting Airbus through the flight test programme and delivering an aircraft and engine combination that will set a new standard in military transport aircraft."

Notes for Editors

EPI Europrop International GmbH was created by four leading European aero-engine companies - Industria de Turbo Propulsores, MTU Aero Engines, Rolls-Royce and Snecma (SAFRAN Group) - to manage the TP400 engine programme.

Designed to power the Airbus Military A400M military transport, the TP400 will be the most powerful turboshaft engine to enter service in the West. It features a three-shaft configuration and will deliver a maximum power output of 11,000 shaft horsepower.

For further information, please contact:

Nick Britton
Tel: +44 117 979 59 43

Jane Terry
Tel: +44 75 28 97 55 83