Airbus Military Delivers 1st A400M to French Air Force

Airbus Military has formally delivered the first A400M new generation airlifter – which is known in French service as the A400M Atlas – to the French Air Force. This delivery, just authorized by the French procurement agency DGA, enables the aircraft, MSN7, to join the French Air Force at the airbase of Orleans-Bricy.

 

This delivery represents the culmination of 10 years of development by Airbus Military and more than 5,000 flight-test hours, involving close to 40,000 people working for this major European defense program.

 

This first aircraft delivered to France will initially be used for the continuing training of aircrew before becoming part of the French Air Force operational transport fleet. An official ceremony to celebrate the delivery in its final assembly location in Sevilla, Spain, will take place after the summer break.

 

The A400M is an all-new military airlifter designed to fly high, fast, and further, while retaining high maneuverability, low speed, and short, soft, and rough airfield capabilities. Powered by four 11,000shp TP400 turboprop engines made by EuroProp International, it can carry up to 116 fully-equipped paratroopers or 37 tonnes of payload, and additionally can serve as an air-to-air refueller capable of refuelling fast jets, other large aircraft, and helicopters.

 

Its cargo hold is specifically designed to carry outsize equipment for both military and humanitarian disaster relief missions, and it can bring this material quickly and directly to where it is most needed.