Airbus A400M Atlas
Base Ohakea, Manawatu
The Airbus A400M Atlas is a European multi-national four-engine turboprop tactical airlifter designed to meet the strategic and tactical transport needs of modern military forces. Developed by Airbus Defence and Space, the A400M was conceived in the 1980s and 1990s to replace aging C-160 Transall and C-130 Hercules fleets with a more capable aircraft that could bridge the gap between tactical airlifters and strategic heavy lifters like the C-17. The aircraft first flew in 2009 and entered service in 2013, powered by four Europrop International TP400-D6 turboprop engines—the most powerful turboprops ever fitted to a Western military aircraft. The A400M features a spacious cargo hold measuring 17.71 meters long that can accommodate vehicles, helicopters, palletized cargo, and up to 116 troops or 66 stretchers for medical evacuation. Its combination of tactical capabilities—including the ability to operate from short, unprepared airstrips—with strategic range of over 4,500 nautical miles makes it uniquely versatile.
“powered by four Europrop International TP400-D6 turboprop engines—the most powerful turboprops ever fitted to a Western military aircraft”
The A400M has been adopted by multiple European nations including France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Belgium, and Luxembourg, as well as Malaysia in Southeast Asia. The aircraft incorporates advanced features such as fly-by-wire flight controls, a digital glass cockpit, and sophisticated defensive systems. It can carry a maximum payload of 37 tons, perform aerial delivery operations including paratroop drops and cargo air drops, and conduct tactical low-level flight profiles. The aircraft also has aerial refueling capability, able to serve as both a receiver and a tanker with underwing hose-and-drogue pods. However, the A400M program has faced significant challenges, including substantial cost overruns, delivery delays, technical difficulties, and lower-than-expected performance in some areas compared to original specifications. Despite these setbacks, the aircraft has matured operationally and proven its worth in military operations, humanitarian missions, and during the COVID-19 pandemic for medical evacuations and supply transport. The A400M represents Europe's most ambitious military transport aircraft program and provides participating nations with significant strategic airlift independence.
