EADS Says Delivery Shows Program Is On Track

The reception of the first A400M horizontal tail plane took place Wednesday at the EADS CASA final assembly line in San Pablo (Seville). This horizontal tail plane was sent from the EADS CASA facilities in Tablada where it is produced, to the structural test facilities of the Final Assembly Line, where it will undergo a series of tests before its assembly on the aircraft.

Representatives with EADS CASA tell ANN Wednesday's event represents a special milestone for the company, since this horizontal tail plane is the first A400M component delivered to the Final Assembly Line where assembly, final integration, and flight test of the A400M will take place. EADS CASA says the event demonstrates the A400M program continues to fully meet its targets.

The horizontal tail plane is constructed mainly of carbon fiber composite, and incorporates the most advanced materials, technologies and manufacturing processes resulting from the vast experience of EADS CASA in developing stabilizers.

It has been designed and manufactured by EADS CASA in collaboration with Airbus Spain together with a number of other industrial partners including SACESA, SK10 and ICSA CTRM. The assembly and installation of the various systems is undertaken at Tablada using the most advanced jig systems, tooling and assembling processes.

FMI: www.airbusmilitary.com