Hercules Tp400 Test-bed Airborne

摘要

On december 17, 2008, the EuroProp International TP400-D6 Lockheed C-130K Hercules test-bed (XV208) completed its long-awaited maiden flight from Cambridge Airport. The aircraft has had its Allison T56 replaced by an 11,000shp (8,206kW) TP400 in the inner port nacelle. It took off at 1044hrs and touched down back at Marshall Aerospace's facility at 1159hrs. Various flight characteristics of the powerplant were evaluated during the flight, including basic handling and response at speeds up to 165kts (305km/h) and an altitude of 8,000ft (2,438m). The event is significant because it marks the start of the flight test programme of the turboprop, which is destined to power the troubled Airbus Military A400M transport.