A400M reaches important milestone

Denel Saab Aerostructures design and manufacture top shells for the A400M. Recently, the first fully equipped center fuselage, including the top shells, was delivered to the final assembly line in Sevilla, Spain.

The center fuselage was delivered from Bremen, Germany to the final assembly line in Sevilla, Spain. A delivery ceremony, attended by various dignitaries from the German Government, German Airforce and Airbus, was held in Bremen, on August 17. Denel Saab Aerostructures was represented by Nols Fonternel, A400M Top Shells Project Manager.

“The successful on time delivery of the first six sets of Top Shells is proof of the dedication and enthusiasm of the Top Shells team. The success of this project is testimony to the excellent co-operation between the teams at Denel Saab Aerostructures and Airbus Germany. I wish to congratulate the team on both sides of the equator and thank everybody for the tremendous effort and contributions made.”

The first five aircraft to leave the final assembly line will be destined for the flight test program and production in Seville will gradually increase to around thirty aircraft per year.

Besides the Top Shells and the Wing to Fuselage Fairings, designed and manufactured by Denel Saab Aerostructures in South Africa, Saab Aerostructures in Sweden design and manufacture the Crew Entrance Door for the A400M.

Back to CNB 4/2007