Airbus with gearbox problems - Not only in helicopters - AIN

Progress Reported On Latest A400M Problems

Airbus Defense and Space has delivered the first A400M airlifter that can conduct tactical missions. But the transfer of MSN33 to France marks only the fifth aircraft to be handed over this year, thanks to the previously acknowledged propeller gearbox (PGB) manufacturing fault. An interim fix is now flying, but a long-term solution may not be certified until the end of next year. A significant number of Europrop TP400 engines have been replaced on the 26 aircraft delivered to date, and on the production line. PGB maker Avio Aero recommended inspections for cracks after 200 hours, and then every 20 hours. The A400M design features “down between engines” propeller rotation, and the fault potentially affects only those engines whose propellers rotate clockwise (two of the four on each aircraft). Read More