Airbus Defence and Space has successfully completed the first paratrooping trials of the A400M new generation airlifter. Spanish Army troops took part in a series of jumps at drop zones in France and Spain. The 11-flight test programme, which also included freefall jumps from the ramp, culminated in the successful despatch of 20 troops – ten from each of the left and right-hand doors – in a single run at 1,500ft. Further tests are planned. The A400M can carry up to 116 fully-equipped paratroops.