The new generation airlifter Airbus A400M achieved Automatic Low Level Flight certification, which is a significant milestone for it.
The certification campaign was carried out last month above the Pyrenees and central France. The operations down to 500ft as well as transitions from low level flight to aerial delivery and other movements.
Visual Meteorological Conditions, meaning crew visibility, were concerned in the first phase of the certification process while the second phase, which is to be executed in 2021, will include Instrumental Meteorological Conditions, meaning no visibility.
The Automatic Low Level Flight is an outstanding capability for a military aircraft and greatly improves its efficiency in military missions. According to Airbus, it improves the A400M’s terrain masking and survivability, which reduces the aircraft’s detectability in hostile areas as well as its susceptibility to threats in key military operations, such as aerial delivery, air-to-air refuelling, logistic or other specifications.