Prototypes
The A400M was rolled out at Seville on June 26, 2008 in a ceremony attended by King Juan Carlos I of Spain and other dignitaries.
Выкатка прототипа A400M состоялась в июне 2008 года, первый полет ожидается в 2009 году.
The third prototype Airbus Defence and Space A400M Grizzly F-WWMS (msn 003) has been used by RAF crews to undertake training on the type at Seville, Spain. A number of touch-and-goes were conducted on September 11, 2014 with a mixed Airbus and RAF crew. Training with this prototype were carried out for almost a week, until the first RAF A400M (EC-404, to be ZM400) resumed flights on September 15. The service's first Atlas was expected to be handed over in September, but nothing had been confirmed by early October.
Компания «Airbus» присвоила A400M название «Grizzly», а в британских ВВС он стал именоваться «Atlas».
The C-17 (left), C-130J (centre), and A400M (right) form the backbone of the UK's fixed-wing military transport capability. But with the C-130J leaving service next year, how will the remainder fare?
All five A400M built to date perform a 'Grizzly Walk' at Toulouse.
Two foldable head-up displays (HUD) provide flight guidance during critical mission phases, such as landing at unequipped airfields.
Brake tests on Airbus A400M (EC-402), supervised by the NLR, took place from March 21 to 23, 2017. Carried out at the request of Airbus, the tests were performed in a 30mm (1.1in) water trough on the runway with different speeds up to 110kts (203km/h).
Europrop TP400s power the A400M Grizzly - into the air.
One of Airbus Defence and Space's A400M Grizzly test platforms. Registration EC-400 (c/n 042) launches into a display at RIAT 2018, sporting a special 'RAF 100' tail sticker to celebrate the air arm’s centenary. Airbus is seeking to further export the type which is already in service with France, Germany, Malaysia, Spain, Turkey and the UK.
11 декабря 2009г. с ВПП аэропорта г. Севилья (Испания) в 10 ч 15 мин по местному времени взлетел первый экземпляр военно-транспортного самолета A400M, созданный компанией Airbus Military.
A400M EC-402 fitted with a Cobham 908E air-refuelling pod, on final approach to Seville International Airport on May 29, 2013.
The manoeuvrability of the A400M is illustrated in this picture of MSN1 in a 120° bank.
Единственным достойным конкурентом A400M является российско-украинский Ан-70. Интересно, что первоначально Германия рассматривала возможность закупки Ан-70.
A400M EC-402 MSN2, the second flight test aircraft was handed over to Airbus Military's flight test department in Seville on March 6, 2010.
A400Ms MSN1/F-WWMT and MSN2/EC-402 on a test flight from Toulouse on June 17, 2010 during which different formation positions between the two aircraft were checked.
An A400M test aircraft, EC-404, in formation with Airbus H225M F-ZWCS over southern France. The trials proved the suitability of the A400M to refuel helicopters in flight from the wing-mounted pods, a procedure that had previously been problematical because of turbulence.
Screen grab image from video showing one of 15 dry contacts with RAF VC10 ZA149/'H' during handling quality checks with the A400M as the receiver.
VC10 играли важную роль при летных испытаниях новых самолетов. На снимке: BTC Airbus Military A400M получает топливо от VC10 K.Mk 3.
Basic air-to-air refuelling trials were organised from Toulouse in February 2011 involving Royal Air Force VC10 K3 ZA149/'H' from No.101 Squadron.
On February 17, 2022, a SCAF remote carrier surrogate in the form of a Do-DT25 target drone was deployed from an A400M airlifter
An A400M dropping 24 one-tonne Container Delivery Systems in a single pass at Cazaux in September during airdrop tests.
Screen grab image from video showing MSN2/EC-402 performing short-field landing at Francazal - chalk was laid down to assess the impact of a rough strip on the aircraft's fuselage, and main and forward landing gear areas.
A400M EC-402 MSN2 seen at Kiruna in northern Sweden, in early 2011, during cold-soak trials.
A400M MSN1/F-WWMS at Kiruna, northern Sweden, for cold weather testing in February 2011.
De-icing under way at Kiruna, Sweden during cold weather testing.
A400M F-WWMS bathed in lights during the ceremony at Seville on September 30, 2013.
France
15 января 2013г. компания Airbus Military сообщила, что на авиазаводе в испанском г.Севилья состоялась выкатка первого серийного экземпляра европейского BTC A400M. В июне этот самолет (MSN007) передадут ВВС Франции, которые до конца года получат еще две серийные машины (MSN008 и MSN010). Кроме того, самолет (MSN009) будет поставлен Турции.
Airbus Military rolled out the first production A400M for the Armee de I'Air (French Air Force) from the final assembly line at Seville in Spain on January 15, 2013. France has ordered 50 A400Ms, of which eight will be equipped as multirole tanker transports. The aircraft (0007, msn 7) is scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of this year. Initial examples of the transport were originally due to enter service in 2009.
The Armee de I’Air regards the A400M aircraft as an expeditionary asset, able to deliver cargo and troops in a matter of days, which will have an impact on operations in Reunion.
An A400M is marshalled onto its parking space for the night at Subang Air Base, Kuala Lumpur. Two engines have already been switched off.
The first visit of an Armee de I'Air A400M to Iraq (Bagdad and Erbil) took place on April 23, 2017.
Despite the problems that have affected the A400M, the aircraft’s capabilities and service record has already started to win it the affection of its pilots and crews.
All Armee de I'Air A400s are based at BA123 Orleans-Bricy operated by Escadron de Transport 01.061 'Touraine' which currently has 15 aircraft assigned.
In September 2017, two A400Ms from ET 1/61 ‘Touraine’ flew personnel, equipment and supplies to the Caribbean in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.
Airbus Military A400M EC-007/0007 making its maiden flight on March 6, 2013.
The Armee de l'Air has deployed one of its Airbus A400M transports to the Central African Republic (CAR) for the first time. The aircraft departed its home base at Orleans-Bricy and flew on to N’Djamena in Chad before landing at Bangui Airport on November 7, 2014 and unloading 7.4 tons of supplies for Operation Sangaris forces. The aircraft is pictured departing Bangui.
The first A400M Atlas for the Armee de I’Air, 0007, during a test flight from Seville-San Pablo Airport.
Armee de I'Air A400M 0008/F-RBAB photographed over a typical coastal landscape in Djibouti.
The diamond formation of the C-160R serialled R212, together with an A400M, a CN.235M-300 and a C-130J-30 of the French Air and Space Force during the retirement ceremony on May 20, 2022
An A400M dropping paratroopers at Tarbes, southern France. Qualification of the aircraft for dropping paratroopers is part of a two-step programme to address issues over the aircraft’s tactical capabilities.
In two sorties, this A400M 089/’F-RBAA’ airlifted hundreds of groundcrew and their equipment from BA118 Mont-de-Marsan to Siauliai AB on November 24 and 29, 2022
The difference in size between the Transall and the Atlas is obvious in this shot.
A400M 0014/F-RBAF on the ramp at Subang,
The mandatory checks of the propeller gearbox every 50 flying hours are interfering with the serviceability of the A400M fleet.
A400M 0037/F-RABJ (msn 037), the first operational A400M to participate in Exercise VOLFA undergoes inspection at Mont-de-Marsan after a triple bird strike to its left wing.
While the C-160 celebrated its 50th anniversary with the Armee de I’Air on October 5, 2017, the A400M is slowly coming of age.
The Centre d'Experiences Aeriennes Militaires is the lead unit for the new airlifter's service introduction.
Cold weather trials proved successful.
The A400M is progressively taking an expanding role in Africa - the type offers twice the speed, twice the endurance and twice the load as a Transall.
The A400M is slowly coming of age, as aerial refuelling capabilities are going to be tested in the coming year.
Jean-Yves Le Drian names the first French A400M Ville d'Orleans.
Ministre de la Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian attended the delivery ceremony of the first Armee de l’Air A400M Atlas, 0007/F-RBAA, at BA123 Orleans on September 30, 2013.
A new, but already familiar, shape on the ramp at BA123 Orleans.
The Armee de l'Air A400M fleet reached 10,000 flying hours on September 7, 2018, yet during the first semester of 2018 only three out of the 14 French A400Ms were serviceable.
One of the main current programmes for the CEAM is the A400M. Gen Reboul, the CEAM Commander, said: ‘‘Although not at the pace that we would like, we are acquiring new capacities step by step.”
Investigating and then resolving engine issues has severely curtailed deliveries of A400Ms. Priority has been given to modifying the engines of in-service aircraft, meaning that deliveries will continue to be disrupted for some time.
During the mission around the world, the Armee de I’Air took the opportunity to test Atlas accessibility to a number of French bases, including BA186 Noumea.
French A400M - registration F-RBAP (c/n 095) - on the ground in Tahiti.
Paratroopers get ready for a drop from 12,000ft at BA123 Orleans.
A French Air Force EC725 Caracal loaded onto an Atlas at BA120 Cazaux. The ability to quickly airlift special forces helicopters to hot spots is a welcome capability.
Even some of the largest French Army vehicles, such as this infantry armoured combat vehicle, can be carried by the A400M.
An armoured vehicle, is precisely marshalled into the Atlas' large cargo hold.
An A400M being refuelled at BA123 Orleans.
All A400M maintenance procedures were tested by the CEAM and maintenance task cards were produced by its specialists for use by front-line operators.
UK
Royal Air Force Airbus A400M Atlas, ZM400 (c/n 015), on a very wet ramp at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, shortly after arrival on delivery from Seville, Spain, on the afternoon of November 17, 2014. The aircraft is the first of 22 on order for the RAF.
Atlas C1 ZM400 on the dispersal at RAF Brize Norton on November 18, 2014 following its first local sortie.
No.70 Squadron A400M Atlas C1s operated between RAF Brize Norton to Keevil in Wiltshire, seen here, and Woodbridge airfield in Suffolk in support of 16 Air Assault Task Force during Exercise Joint Warrior 17-1 in March 2017. No.24 Squadron C Flight is the A400M Operational Conversion Flight.
The 11,000shp EuroProp International TP400 turboprop engine may well be the most powerful turboprop in production, but the engine has caused significant challenges to the A400 programme.
RAF engineers work on the flight deck of Atlas C1 ZM411 at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus
The crew of Atlas C1 ZM400 are marshalled to parking following its first local sortie on November 18, 2014.
The A400M's external fuselage is a whopping 5.64m (18ft 6in) wide.
Al Fursan, the aerobatics demonstration team of the United Arab Emirates Air Force, flying over an Airbus A400M on static display
RAF Atlas C1 ZM409 takes off from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort on January 25, 2018 carrying cargo back to the UK as part of No.617 Squadron’s homebound deployment to RAF Marham.
Atlas C1 ZM400 taxies to the runway for its first local sortie on November 18, 2014.
Airbus has announced production of the A400M is to be scaled back from 15 aircraft in 2018 to only eight in 2020.
Atlas C1 ZM401 at Keevil Airfield, Wiltshire.
Atlas C1 ZM401 at Avalon.
Atlas ZM400 used less than half of Gibraltar Airport’s runway to take off.
With a planned 25-strong fleet, the UK’s A400M will have to take up much of the load left by the departing C-130J platform
Airbus Defence and Space A400M Atlas EC-405 lifts off for the first time from Seville-San Pablo Airport in Spain on August 30, 2014.
Following an engine failure after take-off on a Royal Air Force A400M in January 2016, inspections revealed that some of the TP400 engines on some aircraft were suffering cracks to an input pinion plug. Europrop International and Avio Aero have developed an interim fix to the power gearbox problem, and each gearbox is being inspected every 200 hours.
RAF Atlas C1 ZM408 departs Joint Base Lewis-McChord on a mission during the second half of Exercise Mobility Guardian.
The RAF's front-line Atlas C1 unit, 70 Squadron, marked its centenary in 2016 by applying a full-colour squadron badge on the tail of ZM406.
A Diamond DA40 chase plane was used to capture high-speed footage of CDS container extraction from the Atlas C1.
The first three of eight 1-tonne CDS containers begin their descent to mother earth after extraction from Atlas C1 ZM419 over a drop zone at Salisbury Plain during a trials flight on November 2, 2018.
Twelve 1-tonne containers parachute to mother earth from an Atlas C1 during a CDS extraction trial mission over a drop zone at Salisbury Plain last November.
Ultimate airdrop: 24 CDS containers drop from an Atlas C1 over Salisbury Plain on November 6, 2018. This was one of the biggest ever air-dropped loads from any type of UK aircraft on record.
The A400M’s visit to Gibraltar highlighted the type's suitability for flying supplies to the territory’s RAF base.
Atlas C1 ZM409 performed two approaches at Norwich International Airport on March 23, 2017. The aircraft currently has anniversary tail markings for the British Army’s Airborne Brigade with the legend ‘Airborne 16, 75 Years of the Airborne Brigade’.
The RAF's fifteenth Atlas C1, ZM414, was delivered in March 2017; its total fleet will comprise 22 aircraft. This photo shows the two pairs of Ratier-Figeac eight-bladed scimitar propellers on each wing turning in opposite directions; counter clockwise on the outer and clockwise on the inner. Each propeller is powered by an Europrop TP400-D6 engine rated at 11,000shp (8,250kW).
Royal Air Force A400M Atlas C1 ZM403 prepares to land at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, on the evening of July 5, 2015 after its delivery flight from Spain. This was the third aircraft to enter service with the RAF and the first to arrive since clearance was given to resume deliveries following the fatal crash of the third Turkish A400M on its maiden flight on May 9.
Atlas C1 ZM414 landing on the beach at Pembrey Sands, Carmarthenshire, West Wales during natural surface operations' trials on December 10, 2018.
The A400M will have to fly morning, noon and night if it is to plug the gap left by the retirement of the Hercules.
Alpha Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, disembark Atlas C1 ZM414 on arrival at Beef Island Airport in the British Virgin Islands.
Cargo handlers from Beef Island Airport unload supplies from Atlas C1 ZM414 during hurricane relief operations in September 2017.
Germany
Taxi tests of the first Airbus Defence and Space A400M for the Luftwaffe (54+01, msn 18) began on October 12, 2014 at the manufacturer’s facility in Seville, Spain. The transport was painted in Luftwaffe colours two days earlier. The first Luftwaffe A400M 54+01 made its first flight on October 14.
17 сентября 2020г. пресс-служба Вооруженных Сил Германии (Бундесвера) сообщила, что Венгрия стала первым государством, которое официально присоединилось к международной группе MNAU (Multinational Air Transport Unit), созданной по рекомендации Министерства обороны ФРГ. Цель создания MNAU - выделить часть самолетов Airbus A400M Atlas (в том числе из состава Люфтваффе) в пользу международного органа, который будет нести расходы по их эксплуатации. Предполагается, что тринадцать A400M этой группы будут находиться на немецкой авиабазе Вунсторф в Нижней Саксонии. Они могут использоваться как транспортные машины, а также в качестве воздушных танкеров
Commander of Lufttransportgeschwader 62, Colonel Bette.
Luftwaffe A400 54+08 taxies at Wunstorf clearly showing the counter-rotating eightblade scimitar propellers.
Becoming more and more numerous with the Luftwaffe, the Atlas has proven itself to be a very versatile transport aircraft.
The Airbus A400M Atlas was designed as a tactical airlifter with strategic capabilities to replace older transport aircraft, such as the Transall C-160 and the Lockheed C-130 Hercules
Luftwaffe A400 54+06 departs RAF Fairford after participating in this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo which marked the international air show debut for the Luftwaffe’s A400.
A German Air Force A400M leads a formation of four TLG-31 Eurofighters over Norvenich Air Base
The COMAO demo on the final day included this formation of a A400M Atlas and two Tornados.
Luftwaffe A400M 54+07 is seen landing at Cologne Airport on February 1, 2017 to collect material and personnel for airlift to Pristina, Kosovo and Incirlik Air Base in Turkey.
A German Airbus A400M Atlas receives last-minute instructions from a Spanish Combat Control Team from the EADA before conducting a low approach to the dirt runway at the Ablitas airfield.
An aerial view of the ILA Berlin Air Show static line-up in 2018 - a show which saw the attendance of the Antonov An-225 'Mriya' and the international debut of the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion.
Malaysia
The Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM, Royal Malaysian Air Force) is the sole operator of the A400M in the region.
A400M M54-01, the first to be handed over to the Royal Malaysian Air Force, made its public debut during the opening ceremony of LIMA 2015 at Langkawi.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force’s 22 Squadron operates the Airbus A400M.
The first of four Airbus A400M Atlas airlifters (M54-01, msn 022) for the Royal Malaysian Air Force seen during its maiden flight from the manufacturer's facility in Seville on January 20, 2015. The aircraft is expected to make an appearance in the flying display at the Langkawi Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) show in March.
The primary role of Malaysia's A400M fleet is that of strategic airlift, with tactical airlift as a secondary duty.
As part of the Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia's trademark airfield attack sequence to open the show, one of its four A400Ms, serial number M54-03 operated by 22 Skuadron, flies in formation with Pilatus PC-7 Mk II trainers.
The TUDM has made excellent use of its A400Ms to support large exercises throughout southeast Asia and as far afield as Australia
Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia A400 M54-04 operated by 22 Skuadron based at Subang, was leased back by Airbus Defence and flown to Avalon in a bid to woo the Royal New Zealand Air Force with the giant behemoth.
A Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia A400M Atlas, parked behind a Republic of Singapore Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker at RAAF Base Darwin.
Air-to-air refuelling pods can be seen under the wings of this TUDM A400M during recent relief operations.
Spain
The first A400M for the Ejercito del Aire (MSN44) after leaving the Seville Final Assembly Line ahead of its first flight.
On December 1, 2016, the Ejercito del Aire (Spanish Air Force) received its first Airbus Military A400M Atlas, registered T.23-01(10074) 131-21 at Seville-San Pablo. After the formal handover ceremony in San Pablo, the aircraft took off for a 50-minute flight to its new home at Zaragoza Air Base, to serve with Ala 31 currently equipped with ten C-130H and KC-130H Hercules. The aircraft is shown parked in front of anew hangar purpose built for the A400M. The Ejercito del Aire expects to receive 14 A400Ms through to 2022 and another 13 from 2025.
An Airbus A400M, serial TK.23-02 '31-22', of the Ejercito del Aire (Spanish Air Force) attending FIDAE 2018.
Some years ago the runway at Ablitas was reinforced and widened in order for the prototype Airbus A400M to undertake some of its certification tests. Since its commissioning, Ejercito del Aire Ala 31 Atlas are frequent visitors here, as are the unit's Hercules.
Spanish Air Force A400M T.23-10/10219 ‘31-30’ (c/n 111), the 100th example to be delivered, departs Seville-San Pablo Airport, Spain, on May 24, 2021 on delivery to Zaragoza Air Base
September 6, 2016 saw the first Ejercito del Aire (Spanish Air Force) A400M Atlas (msn 44, to be T23-01 - 10074/31-21) undertake its maiden flight, a three-hour, 45-minute sortie from Seville over the Mediterranean Sea. The flight followed shortly after the A400M demonstrated its ability to operate on a sand runway on a specially-constructed 1,600m (5,250ft) strip at Woodbridge, UK. These tests followed earlier successful results on the gravel surface at Ablitas in Spain and a grass runway at Ecury in France.
Humanitarian aid for Ukraine prior to dispatch from Spain’s Torrejon Air Base
Humanitarian aid for Ukraine being loaded at Spain’s Torrejon Air Base
Belgium
The first Airbus A400M, serial CT01, arrived at Molsbroek AB from Seville on October 9, 2020
The Belgian A400M’s capability to air-to-air refuel (AAR) or to receive fuel is on hold for the moment. The receiving refuelling probe is visible above the cockpit
CT-07 taxies in after a formation flight training mission at Molsbroek AB. Molsbroek AB shares its grounds with Brussels International Airport
Groundcrew prepare CT03 for a training flight at 20 Sqn’s home base, Molsbroek
Turkey
On April 10, 2020, a Turkish A400M Atlas - serial 15-0051 (c/n 051), operated by 221 Filo 'Esen‘ (221 Squadron 'Breeze') from Etimesgut air base, Ankara - delivered 250,000 items of PPE to RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire
A photo taken shortly after the coup attempt. It was intended to fly this A400M Atlas from Kayseri 12th Main Transport Base to Malatya to support rebel troops. It and five other transport aircraft were prevented from taking off by civilian vehicles;
Nine A400Ms were in the delivery process at the end of October 2015, including MSN28 for Turkey, seen here in the background.
Kazakhstan
Although the A400M has suffered through development issues, the aircraft provides significant tactical and strategic airlift capability
Airbus Military uses some fancy covers to tether the A400M's propellers.
ТВД Europrop International TP400-D6 - венец творения инженеров-двигателистов. Это самый мощный ТВД, созданный на Западе. Четыре TP400-D6 приводят во вращение воздушные винты с серповидными лопастями и обеспечивают такую же мощность, как и двигатели 44-х Supermarine Spitfire Mk I!
Airbus Military has completed a stress survey on the eight-bladed scimitar propeller, calibrated the EuroProp International TP400-D6 engine, completed engine transients, nacelle cooling tests and modifications, and performed lapse rate take-off tests for power management.
Europrop International's TP400-D6 will allow the A400M to cruise at Mach 0.72 at altitudes up to 40,000ft. The powerplant is to be tested on a C-130 and will take to the air for the first time in 2007.
Airbus Military claims that the A400M's handling qualities remain outstanding despite the presence of large artificial ice shapes.
Artificial ice shapes testing was undertaken on A400M MSN1/F-WWMT
Some of the artificial ice shapes fitted to A400M MSN1/F-WWMT.
A400M MSN1/F-WWMT shown conducting VMU certification tests at Istres, France on March 20, 2011.
Airbus Defence and Space A400M msn 15, the first destined for the RAF, during its initial taxi trial on August 10, 2014.
Airbus Defence and Space Military A400M A4M013 (msn 013) completed its maiden flight at Seville-San Pablo Airport, Spain, on July 30, 2014. The aircraft made a 3 hour 20 minute test flight over the Alboran Sea, off the coast of Granada, after which the transport landed safely back at Seville. The number four Europrop TP400 turboprop was unpowered for the landing approach, possibly intentionally as part of the test programme. The transport is the second example for the Turk Hava Kuvvetleri (Turkish Air Force). The first A400M for Turkey (13-009, msn 009) was accepted on April 4 and entered service with 221 Filo ‘Esen’ at Kayseri-Erkilet 12 days later.
The A400M's Final Assembly Line in Seville has seen a ramp-up in activity over the last year.
Airbus A400M prototype c/n 001 is towed out from the final assembly line in Seville, Spain, on January 2, 2008 after being removed from the jigs. It was moved to an adjacent hangar where work will continue to prepare the aircraft for its maiden flight this summer.
MSN22, the first Malaysian A400M, in assembly at Seville.
This photograph released by Airbus Military on August 28, 2007 shows the complete fuselage barrel and nose section of the first flying prototype A400M, c/n 001, in the final assembly jig at San Pablo, Spain, just after the wings had been fitted. Despite this progress, first flight is not now expected until summer 2008.
After many years the A400M is finally taking shape. The first nose section will be delivered to the Seville plant in early 2007 and final assembly of the aircraft will begin soon afterwards.
Evidence that progress is finally being made on the Airbus A400M military airlifter programme is provided by this view of the fuselage of the first prototype, c/n 0001, on July 24, 2006 being put together in the Integrated Fuselage Assembly jig at Airbus Deutschland's new manufacturing facility in Bremen, Germany. Once completed, the fuselage assembly will be transported to the A400M final assembly line in Seville, Spain. First flight is scheduled for January 2008.
Wikipedia
