The first Airbus A400M military transport aircraft for the Indonesian Air Force has successfully completed its maiden flight, marking an important step towards the aircraft’s delivery later this year. The aircraft took off from Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Seville, Spain, where it has been manufactured at the Final Assembly Line (FAL) and it has undergone ground testing.
During the flight, the first Indonesian A400M performed a range of manoeuvres to validate the aircraft’s handling and evaluate key systems. The test profile included successful checks of the engines, flight controls, hydraulics, and avionics.
The second A400M for Indonesia is also progressing at the Final Assembly Line, currently undergoing fuel system testing to move soon to the paintshop, followed by ground tests and check flight in the lead-up to its delivery.
Indonesia signed a contract for two Airbus A400Ms in 2021, becoming the 10th nation to join the A400M programme. The successful first flight of the first aircraft brings the country one step closer in the development of its strategic airlift capability.
The A400M delivers strategic lift to long distances – up to 2,400 nautical miles with a payload of 30 tonnes, covering the whole of Indonesia from Jakarta, and can operate on short and unpaved runways which is crucial for disaster relief. It also serves as a versatile refuelling platform for various aircraft, being a force multiplier and ensuring operational continuity.
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