Airbus has delivered its 100th A400M Atlas military turboprop, handing the aircraft over to the Spanish air force this week. Currently operated by eight countries, the model flew for the first time in December 2009 and officially entered service in 2014. Airbus also announced that the global A400M fleet recently passed 100,000 flight hours.
“These milestones clearly demonstrate the maturity of the A400M programme on all fronts,” Airbus said. “With the maturity, versatility and unique capabilities proven in operations all around the world, A400M is proving to be a game changer for military airlift and humanitarian missions in the 21st century.”
The A400M, which was designed as a dual-role transport and tanker, has a top speed of Mach 0.72, range of 4,900 NM and can carry payloads of up to 37 tonnes (81,600 pounds). As previously reported by AVweb, Airbus is closing in on completion of its campaign to certify the A400M for helicopter air-to-air refueling operations. In addition, the aircraft was certified for automatic low-level flight in visual meteorological conditions last year.
Progress, far more delivered than of Belfasts decades ago.
Development progressing (while many are flying, some features are only now being finished through testing).
There’s now a range of military transports out there (in production), including:
– C27J twin turboprop
– C295 twin turboprop
– C390 twin turbofan
– C130J quad turboprop
– A400M quad turboprop
With USAF and allies having several out-of-production machines:
– C-141
– C-17
– C-5
Russians of course have some, some of which are now Ukranian after breakup of the USSR, some exported (twin turboprops to India).