EPI Europrop International (EPI) has started delivery of the first production series TP400-D6 engines which will power the French Air Force's first A400M military transport aircraft into service in early 2013.

The engines were assembled in Munich from modules produced by the four EPI partner companies - ITP, MTU, Rolls-Royce and Snecma - prior to testing in Berlin and dispatch to the Airbus A400M final assembly line in Seville, Spain.

Commenting on the delivery Simon Henley, President of Europrop International, said: "The delivery of our first production TP400 marks a significant milestone in the engine programme. We'll now see a rapid ramp up our production rates as we begin a new chapter of the EPI story.

"Meanwhile, the engine continues to perform well in the flight test programme. We have now accumulated over 10,000 flying hours as we build towards the entry into service of an aircraft and engine that will bring a significant improvement in operational capability to customers."

The TP400 engine was certified by EASA in May 2011. Since the first engine run in 2005 the TP400 has completed over 20,000 running hours, both in flight and on the ground.