A440M fleet grounded after accident

The Airbus A400M military transport plane, EuropeÕs largest defence
project, has been largely grounded by current operators after one of the
aircraft crashed during a test flight in Spain, killing four people


AIRBUS A400M ATLAS: Development cost more than Û20 billion ($22 billion). Aircraft capable of strategic and tactical roles, and can perform aerial refuelling

Crew: 2 or 3 pilots, 1 loadmaster

Powerplant: Four TP400-D6 turboprops, 8,250kW each

Cargo bay: Room for 116 troops, 66 stretchers plus 25 medical staff,
or various vehicles and helicopters

SPECIFICATIONS

A400M Atlas

C-130 Hercules

		A400M		C-130J

Length		45.1m		29.3m

Max. speed	780km/h		670km/h

Range		3,300km		3,147km

Max. payload	37,000kg	21,770kg

Hold volume	340m3		170.5m3

Unit cost	$190m		$70m


ORDERS AND DELIVERIES

As of March 2015

Operator	Ordered		Delivered / in service*

Germany		53		1

France		50		6

Spain		27		0

UK		22		2

Turkey		10		2

Belgium		7		0

Malaysia	4		1

Luxembourg	1		0

Total		174		12

*A400M flights suspended pending investigations into crash. France
authorising use of aircraft only for most urgent operations


Sources: Airbus, JaneÕs Information Group, wire agencies

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