![]() ![]() The South African Air Force started to look at alternatives to the A400M and the European partners placed it under consideration. The project was predicted to be up to €11.2bn over budget. In January 2009, EADS postponed the first deliveries of the A400M until 2012 and wanted to develop a new approach for the A400M to discover new ways to advance the programme.Ģ009 continued to be a troubled year for the A400M as estimates on the cost overrun of the project were released. Its official maximum take-off weight is 141t. The aircraft took off with 127t in weight, carrying 15t of test equipment, including 2t of water ballast. The first A400M aircraft was officially rolled out in June 2008 and the long-awaited maiden flight took place on 11 December 2009. The first flight was scheduled for early 2008 however, this was delayed due to engine development problems. The first metal cut for the airframe of the A400M took place in January 2005 and assembly began in 2007. The order was consequently reduced to 180 aircraft, with deliveries starting in 2009. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Turkey, Belgium, and Luxembourg initially signed it, but Italy subsequently withdrew. A development and production contract was signed between Airbus and the European procurement agency OCCAR for 212 aircraft in May 2003.
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