The Airbus A400M Atlas is a four engine turboprop military transport aircraft developed by a consortium of European nations and first flown in 2009, designed to combine the tactical short field capability of a smaller transport with the long range payload of a larger strategic airlifter. Operated by several NATO and European air forces, it can carry armored vehicles and helicopters while also serving in aerial refueling and medical evacuation roles.
Facts
SignificanceA tactical airlifter sized between the Lockheed C-130 and the Boeing C-17, combining short field capability with a longer range and heavier payload than the C-130 it was designed to replace. 1 Manufacturer or BuilderAirbus Military (now Airbus Defence and Space) 1 FAQs
Why is the A400M called a tactical airlifter with strategic range?
It can carry heavy loads over long distances and still land on short unpaved airstrips.
Because it was built to do two jobs that earlier aircraft split between them. Airbus describes the A400M as a four-engine turboprop military airlifter that can fly to strategic distances carrying loads too heavy or too large for medium airlifters, and then land and deliver those loads on short, unpaved airstrips where other heavy airlifters cannot operate.
In the Other Atlases
Manufactured By
Also in Business Atlas: the manufacturer of this subject.
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Airbus A400M Atlas
WikipediaLead section, paragraph 1
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.
Lead section, paragraph 3
The A400M's maiden flight took place on 11 December 2009 from Seville Airport, Spain.
Lead section, paragraph 2
The A400M is sized between the C-130 and the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III.
In Group: Military Transport Aircraft, Lead sentence
The Airbus A400M Atlas is a European four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft.
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