Airbus Military A400M Atlas

Summary

Category	Transport aircraft
Origin country	🌍 International Cooperation
First flight	11 December 2009
Year of introduction	2013
Number produced	112 units
Average unit price	$152 million

Description

The Airbus A400M, also known as the Atlas, is a multi-national, four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. It was initiated by the European Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), a collaboration involving several European countries including Germany, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Belgium, and Luxembourg. The development program was launched in 2003 to address the need for a modern airlifter for European NATO countries, as a supplement or replacement to older models like the C-130 Hercules and C-160 Transall. Airbus Military (now Airbus Defence and Space) was tasked with its design and production. The A400M made its first flight on December 11, 2009.

The development of the Airbus A400M was fraught with challenges, including cost overruns, delays, and technical difficulties. Initially, the program was projected to cost €20 billion, but the development expenses ballooned, requiring renegotiations among the partner nations. Technical complexities such as issues with the aircraft's TP400-D6 engines, produced by the Europrop International consortium, also contributed to delays. The first flight, initially expected in 2008, didn't take place until December 2009.

Design-wise, the A400M is a notable advancement over previous military transport aircraft. It combines the capability of both tactical and strategic airlift missions. Its four-engine turboprop configuration provides the thrust needed for heavy-lift capabilities, while also allowing for fuel-efficient operation. The aircraft's advanced design includes a high-wing configuration, providing a wide, unobstructed cargo hold, and a rear-loading ramp, enabling easy and quick loading and unloading of cargo. The A400M can carry heavy and oversized cargo, including military vehicles and helicopters, over intercontinental distances. The cockpit is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, including fly-by-wire controls, and a glass cockpit with digital heads-up displays, making it easier and more intuitive for pilots to operate.

The A400M is designed to operate from austere airfields, with the ability to land on unpaved runways as short as 770 meters. It also features a refueling capability, serving as a tanker if needed.

Operational history

The Airbus A400M Atlas became operational with the French Air Force in 2013, marking its first entry into active service. Since then, it has been adopted by several other countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and Turkey. Despite its delayed and over-budget development, the aircraft has gradually proven its worth in a range of missions.

In the military logistics, the A400M has participated in various operations. For example, it was deployed in missions to Mali as part of France's Operation Serval in 2013, providing critical airlift capabilities. The aircraft has also been used for disaster relief efforts, including the delivery of aid to Nepal after the 2015 earthquake and to the Caribbean in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in 2017.

However, the A400M has not been entirely free from issues even after entering service. The most serious was a 2015 crash during a test flight in Spain, which resulted in the deaths of four crew members. The crash was later attributed to a software issue in the engine control unit. This incident led to a temporary grounding of the fleet and sparked renewed scrutiny of the aircraft's reliability and safety protocols.

Variants

A400M-180 Atlas: This is the standard production version that is used by most of the partnering nations. It is designed to perform a wide range of duties including tactical and strategic airlift, airdrop, and can also be configured for medical evacuation.
A400M Grizzly: This is the test variant used during the aircraft's development phase. It's not a production model but served as a crucial part of the testing and certification process. Only 5 were produced.

Technical specifications

Version: A400M Grizzly
Crew	2 pilots + 1 loadmaster + 1 optional
Operational range	8800 km (5468 mi)
Maximum speed	780 km/h (485 mph)
Wing area	221.5 m² (2384.2 sqft)
Wingspan	42.4 m (139.1 ft)
Height	14.7 m (48.2 ft)
Length	45.1 m (148.0 ft)
Service ceiling	12500 m (41011 ft)
Empty weight	66500 kg (146607 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight	141000 kg (310851 lbs)
Takeoff distance	1150 m (3773 ft)
Powerplant	4 × turboprops MTU-Rolls-Royce TP400-D6 delivering 8203 kW