A400M begins rough field test activity

The new Airbus Military A400M airlifter has performed preliminary tests in preparation for rough field trials planned for later this year. The aircraft briefly visited Francazal air base near Toulouse to carry out high-speed runs on a layer of chalk balls used to simulate a rough surface. The work was designed to ensure that the aircraft and procedures are ready for the eventual test programme at a location yet to be selected.

EADS

U.S. Aerospace Protests KC-X Source Selection

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/awx/2010/08/04/awx_08_04_2010_p0-245746.xml

The Pentagon is assessing only two bids for the U.S. Air Force KC-135 replacement competition because a last-minute proposal from U.S. Aerospace/Antonov was not received before the deadline, according to Geoff Morrell, Pentagon press secretary.
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According to an industry executive, a messenger carrying a bid from U.S. Aerospace arrived at the Wright-Patterson gate at about 1:30 p.m., 30 minutes before the deadline. "Air Force personnel intentionally denied the messenger entry to the base" and later provided "incorrect directions," and forced the messenger to wait when he got turned around. The proposal was marked 2:05 p.m., but this executive says that the bid was under Air Force control prior to that time