A400M

Airbus Military's A400M airlifter is a cost-effective, high-speed turboprop aircraft specifically designed to meet the harmonised needs of European NATO nations, as well as the requirements of international air forces.

Four of these next-generation, multi-role aircraft are participating in a 3,700-hr. test and certification campaign that will lead to approval for the A400M’s entry into service. 

The airlifter is designed to replace ageing C-130 Hercules and C-160 Transall fleets currently in service around the world, and features more than twice the payload capacity and volume of these two aircraft. 

Powered by four modern turboprop engines driving state-of-the-art eight-bladed propellers, the A400M is capable of cruising speeds of up to Mach 0.72 and altitudes up to 37,000 feet. 

The A400M is designed for operations from unprepared runways and has excellent short and soft field performance - enabling it to deliver large amounts of payload to tactical forward bases or to evacuate a full complement of refugees or casualties from remote areas. It can also carry up to 116 paratroopers who can jump out of the aircraft either through the large cargo door or two side doors. 

In addition, the A400M is fully equipped to perform air-to-air refuelling, and also can serve as a receiver aircraft to take on fuel while in flight - further extending its operating range.