During this period, Airbus used A400M MSN4, an instrument to test capabilities such as Aerial Delivery, Low-Level Flight or Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR), which were essential for transport aircraft. It served as a tanker and a receiver. The aircraft performed its maiden flight on 20 December 2010. Since then, it has carried out a thousand flights.
The tanker was used as a tool to develop and certify pods refuelling with F18 receivers, Hose Drum Unit refuelling with F18s and A400M receivers, the Cargo Hold Tanks (CHT), the Helicopter Aerial Refuelling capabilities with H225M Caracal.
