The Airbus A400M

Made by Airbus Defence

The Airbus A400M Atlas is a multi-national, four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. It was designed by Airbus Military (now Airbus Defence and Space) as a tactical airlifter with strategic capabilities to replace older transport aircraft, such as the Transall C-160 and the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.[5] The A400M is positioned, in terms of size, between the C-130 and the C-17; it can carry heavier loads than the C-130 and is able to use rough landing strips. Along with the transport role, the A400M can perform aerial refuelling and medical evacuation when fitted with appropriate equipment.

The A400M's maiden flight, originally planned for 2008, took place on 11 December 2009 from Seville, Spain.[1] Between 2009 and 2010, the A400M faced cancellation as a result of development programme delays and cost overruns; however, the customer nations chose to maintain their support of the project. A total of 174 A400M aircraft had been ordered by eight nations by July 2011.[6] In March 2013, the A400M received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification. The first aircraft was delivered to the French Air Force in August 2013.

General characteristics

Crew:  3 or 4 (2 pilots, 3rd optional, 1 loadmaster)

Capacity:  37,000 kg

-116 fully equipped troops / paratroops,

-up to 66 stretchers accompanied by 25 medical personnel

Length:   45.1 m        Wingspan:  42.4 m      Height:   14.7 m      Wing area:  225.1 m²

Empty weight:  76,500 kg       Gross weight:  120,000 kg       Max takeoff weight: 141,000 kg       Max landing weight: 123,000

Fuel capacity:  50,500 kg  internal fuel

Powerplant:  4 × Europrop TP400-D6 turboprop, 8,200 kW (11,000 hp) each

Propellers:  8-bladed Ratier-Figeac FH385 and FH386 variable pitch tractor propellers with feathering and reversing capability, 5.3 m diameter

Cruise speed: 781 km/h (422 kn) at 9,450 m

Initial cruise altitude:   9,000 m (29,000 ft)       Service ceiling:  12,200 m

Range:  3,300 km at max payload (At 20-tonne payload: 6,400 km)

Tactical takeoff distance:   980 m (Soft field, at sea level)       Tactical landing distance:   770 m (as above)