A400M

Heavy outsize loads over longer distances

The A400M is the unique airlifter with strategic capabilities delivered to the point of need.
Its large cargo hold enables the transport of most of the heavy and outsize loads of military and humanitarian aid equipment in service and to deliver it to unpaved airstrips.

Heavy loads

37 tonnes (81,600 lb) maximum payload.

Outsize loads

4 m x 4 m cross section
340 m3 volume

Strategic projection

40,000 ft max. altitude
0.72 Mach max. speed

Over longer distances

2 x range vs medium airlifters
20 tonnes (44,000 lb) to 3,400 nm

Heavy tactical airlift with strategic range

The A400M is a four-engine turboprop military airlifter that combines the ability to fly to strategic distances carrying loads too heavy or too large for medium airlifters, with the ability to land and deliver those loads on tactical short and unpaved airstrips, where other heavy airlifters cannot operate.

Strategic lift and outsize loads over long distances

The A400M can carry heavy and outsize loads which cannot fit in current tactical airlifters, such as heavy armoured vehicles, helicopters or specialised civil engineering equipment, and fly them at high cruise speeds over long distances in the same way as a jet-engine strategic airlifter.

Thanks to its advanced technologies, including its four turboprop engines, the A400M can fly further and faster, with a cruise speed similar to that of a turbofan aircraft.

Tactical capabilities

Short & Unpaved runways

- Less runway impact than medium tactical airlifters
- Turboprop engines for better Foreign Object Damage (FOD) protection

Survivability & Self-protection

- Low detectability, low vulnerability and high survivability
- Defensive Aids System
- Low Level Flight

Air-to-Air refuelling

- As tanker and receiver
- 51 tonnes of Basic Fuel Capacity
- Successful contacts with Su-30, Hawk, F-18, A400M, Tornado, Eurofighter
- Helicopter AAR

Aerial Delivery

- Certified to airdrop multiple loads up to 25 t
- Able to drop from both high and low altitudes
- 116 paratroops

Unique versatility, landing on unpaved airstrips

Existing tactical airlifters can't carry outsize military and humanitarian loads, while current strategic aircraft can handle large loads but lack tactical versatility.

The A400M, with its turboprop engines for better FOD protection and its 12-wheel main landing gear for better weight distribution, can deliver these heavy and oversized loads directly to where they are most urgently needed. This includes landing on short and soft unpaved airstrips inaccessible to any jet-engine airlifter.

Proven in hostile environments

The A400M offers low detectability with high manoeuvrability (including bank angle up to 120º) , low-level flight down to 150 ft, steep climb and descent, short take-off and landing, and a minimal infrared signature.

Its damage-tolerant controls, armoured cockpit, bullet-resistant windscreens and inert gas in the fuel tanks enhance safety. The aircraft features high survivability incorporating chaff and flare countermeasures, and responsive fly-by-wire controls and extensive defensive aids, making it difficult to detect and target.

A400M Versatility

The most capable tactical tanker

With up to 51 tonnes of internal fuel, the A400M offloads more fuel for longer ranges. It can be fitted with two pods to refuel fighters and helicopters. And it can receive fuel through a probe.

Wide cargo hold for mixed loads flexibility

The cargo hold can be configured for a wide range of missions, such as: 54 troops with 9 pallets or vehicles, up to 40 ft ISO containers, mixed paratrooper and cargo drops, or aeromedical evacuation.

Higher envelope for a more flexible aerial delivery

Aerial delivery from 150 ft up to 38,000 ft. Up to 25 t of cargo or up to 116 paratroopers dropping supported by the Computed Air Release Point. Aerial delivery with autopilot and/or flight director.

The national asset for a faster and stronger crisis response

With 178 orders from 10 nations and more than 200,000 flight hours, the A400M is becoming the new reference for heavy tactical airlift and strategic reach.

The A400M fulfils the full range of missions required by governments nowadays, performing military transport missions both strategic and tactical, for troops, loads and vehicles, enabling peace/order keeping missions after a natural disaster.

Orders & Deliveries