The A400M Atlas is a four-engine military transport aircraft produced by European aerospace defense consortium Airbus Defense and Space. The Atlas took its maiden flight on December 11, 2009, and it was introduced in 2013. The A400M Atlas is one of the most advanced military transport aircraft flying today. It is based on decades of research and development and it comprises state-of-the-art avionics, flight controls, power systems, and materials.

The program that would yield the A400M began in 1982 as a combined project consisting of aerospace companies from four countries: Lockheed of the United States, British Aerospace of the United Kingdom, Aérospatiale of France, and Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm of Germany. The consortium sought to create a successor transport aircraft to the venerable Lockheed C-130 Hercules and the Transall C-160, both relatively small freighters used primarily for tactical logistical support.

After numerous changes in both system outlook and partners, the design that ultimately emerged was one that would not replace the C-130, but fill a niche gap in lift capability between it and the much larger C-17 Globemaster III heavy strategic airlifter.

While the latest iteration of the C-130, the C-130J, has a maximum payload of 47,000 pounds and a range of 2,647 miles, the A400M can lift up to 81,600 pounds and has a range of 2,100 miles—and it can be refueled in-flight for extended operation. The A400M can also operate out of austere and short airfields.

The Atlas is operated by the militaries of the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, France, and Turkey. Airbus has delivered more than 100 A400Ms, and the airframe remains in production. It is used for both tactical support as well as longer range strategic logistical operations.

The A400M Atlas measures 140 feet in length, stands 48 feet, 3 inches tall, and has a wingspan of 139 feet, 1 inch. It features advanced composite construction, state-of-the-art avionics and flight controls, a swept main wing, and a T-tail empennage with a swept horizontal stabilizer. It is powered by four wing-mounted Europrop TP400-D6 turboprop engines that each deliver 11,000 horsepower. Each engine drives an 8-bladed Ratier-Figeac propeller that can be fully feathered and has reverse thrust capability.

The A400M is piloted by 3 and can carry up to 116 passengers with full combat loads or 66 stretchers with 25 medical personnel. The hold of the Atlas can accommodate a wide variety of cargo, from ground combat vehicles to a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, or a combination of cargo types. The aircraft can also be configured to refuel other aircraft in-flight.

The Atlas cruises at 460 miles per hour, has a top speed of 485 mph, and has a service ceiling of 40,000 feet above sea level.