Airbus A400M
Artist's impression of the A400M parked on landing strip
Description
Role	Military transport
Crew	2 pilots, optional 3rd, 1 loadmaster
First Flight	Expected 2009
Entered Service	Under development
Manufacturer	Airbus Military consortium
Dimensions
Length	42.2 m	138 ft 6 in
Wingspan	42.4 m	139 ft 1 in
Height	14.7 m	48 ft 3 in
Wing area	ft²	m²
Weights
Empty	66,500 kg	147,000 lb
Loaded	114,000 kg	251,000 lb
Maximum takeoff	130,000 kg	287,000 lb
Capacity	37,000 kg (82,000 lb)
Powerplant
Engines	EuroProp International TP400-D6
Power (each)	7,500 kW	10,000 hp
Power (total)	30,000 kW	40,000 hp
Performance
Maximum speed	550 km/h	350 mph
Combat range (max payload)	3100 km	2,000 miles
Ferry range	9,000 km	5600 miles
Service ceiling	11,300 m	37,000 ft
Rate of climb	ft/min	m/min
Wing loading	lb/ft²	kg/m²
Power/Mass	hp/lb	kW/kg
Avionics
Avionics

The Airbus A400M (M for military) is a four engine turboprop aircraft designed by Airbus Military to meet the demand of European nations for a new military cargo aircraft.

The initial requirement of the partner nations, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Belgium and Luxemburg was for 212 aircraft. Following the withdrawal of Italy and revision of procurement totals the revised requirement was for 180 aircraft, with first flight in 2009.

The Airbus A400M is set to replace primarily the C-130 Hercules which has been the primary cargo workhorse in the countries now planning this new aircraft.

When completed, the Airbus A400M will be Airbus' first purpose-built military aircraft. There is unlikely to be any further foray (in terms of specific aircraft development) into the military market by the airframe manufacturer.

The Airbus A400M will increase the airlift capacity and range compared to the aircraft it is set to replace. Cargo capacity is expected to double (both in payload and volume) and range is increased substantially as well. Just as Airbus' other aircraft, the A400M will have a full glass cockpit (all information accessed through large color screens) and fly-by-wire and as such will represent a technological leap compared to the old versions of the C-130 Hercules and Transall C-160 that many of the purchasing countries now operate.

The Airbus A400M will operate in many configurations including cargo transport, troop transport, medevac, aerial refueling and electronic surveillance.

The political and financial delays with the A400M caused the Royal Air Force to start the Short Term Strategic Aircraft (STSA) programme which selected the C-17 as an interim measure to provide strategic airlift until the A400M entered service. Experience with the C-17 since it entered service lead to the RAF extending the original lease. On July 21 2004 Geoff Hoon announced that the RAF would buy their four C-17s at the end of the lease, even though the A400M is moving towards production. They also placed a follow-on order for one aircraft, though there may be additional purchases later, especially if the A400M does not live up to expectations in operational use.

On 9 December 2004, the South African Air Force announced it was to purchase between 8 and 14 A400Ms, with South Africa therefore joining the Airbus Military team as an industrial partner. Deliveries are expected from 2010 till 2014.

See also

• European defence procurement

External links

• Airbus Military