View source for Airbus A400M Atlas

{{short description|Multi-national four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout, and guidelines. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
| name = A400M Atlas
| image = File:German Air Force Airbus A400M (out cropped).jpg
| caption = A [[German Air Force]] A400M in flight
| type = [[Airlift|Strategic/tactical airlift]] / [[Aerial refueling]]
| manufacturer = [[Airbus Defence and Space]]
| designer = 
| first_flight = 11 December 2009<ref name="ff" />
| introduction = 2013
| retired = <!--Date the aircraft left service. If vague or more than a few dates, skip this -->
| status = In service
| primary_user = [[German Air Force]]<!--Limit one (1) primary user. Top 4 users listed in 'primary user' and 'more users' fields based on number of their fleets. -->
| more_users = [[French Air and Space Force]] <br />[[Royal Air Force]] <br />[[Spanish Air and Space Force]] <br />See ''[[#Operators|Operators]]'' below for others<!--Limit is three (3) TOTAL in 'more users' field (4 total users). Listed by number in use, i.e. top users listed.  Please separate with <br />.-->
| produced = 2007–present <!--years in production, e.g. 1970-1999. -->
| number_built = 130 as of 31 January 2025<ref name="ordel">{{cite web |title=Orders, Deliveries, In Operation Military aircraft by Country - Worldwide |url=https://airbus.web.factory.eu.airbus.com/sites/g/files/jlcbta136/files/2025-02/2025-01_MRS_GEN_Ord-Deliv%20by%20country.pdf |website=[[Airbus]] |access-date=20 February 2025}}</ref>
}}

The '''Airbus A400M Atlas'''<ref name="Atlas mythology" group=nb>Named after the [[Atlas (mythology)|Greek mythological figure]].</ref> is a [[Europe]]an four-engine [[turboprop]] [[military transport aircraft]]. It was designed by [[Airbus Military]], now [[Airbus Defence and Space]], as a [[tactical airlift]]er with [[Strategic airlift|strategic]] capabilities to replace older transport aircraft such as the [[Transall C-160]] and the [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]].<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/a400m.cfm |title=RAF – A400m. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430164301/http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/a400m.cfm |archive-date=30 April 2009 |publisher=MOD |accessdate=15 May 2010}}</ref> 

The A400M is sized between the C-130 and the [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III]]. It can carry heavier loads than the C-130 and can use [[Rough-field capability|rough landing strips]]. In addition to its transport capabilities, the A400M can perform [[aerial refueling]] and [[medical evacuation]] when fitted with appropriate equipment.

The A400M's [[maiden flight]] took place on 11 December 2009 from [[Seville Airport]], Spain. Between 2009 and 2010, the A400M faced cancellation as a result of development programme delays and cost overruns; however, the customer nations chose to maintain their support for the project. A total of 174 A400M aircraft had been ordered by eight nations by July 2011. In March 2013, the A400M received [[European Aviation Safety Agency]] (EASA) certification and the first aircraft was delivered to the [[French Air and Space Force|French Air Force]] in August 2013.

==Development==

===Origins===
The project has its origins in the Future International Military Airlifter (FIMA) group, established in 1982 as a [[joint venture]] between [[Aérospatiale]], [[British Aerospace]] (BAe), [[Lockheed Corporation|Lockheed]], and [[Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm]] (MBB) with the goal of developing a replacement for both the [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130 Hercules]] and [[Transall C-160]].<ref name="Hewson">Hewson, R. ''The Vital Guide to Military Aircraft'', 2nd ed. Airlife Press, Ltd. 2001.</ref> Varying requirements and the complications of international politics meant that progress on the initiative was slow. In 1989, Lockheed decided to withdraw from the grouping. Lockheed independently developed an upgraded Hercules, the [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules|C-130J Super Hercules]]. With the addition of [[Alenia Aermacchi|Alenia]] of Italy and [[EADS CASA|CASA]] of Spain, the FIMA group became [[Euroflag]].

Project management evaluated twin and quad [[turbofan]] engine configurations, a quad [[propfan]] configuration, and a quad [[turboprop]] configuration, eventually settling on the turboprop option.<ref name="DesignReq-ConceptDef">{{Cite conference |date=3 October 2018 |title=A400M aircraft: Design requirements & conceptual definition |url=https://aulaairbus.etsiae.upm.es/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/A400M-Design-Requirements-Conceptual-Definition.pdf#page=10 |location=Madrid, Spain |pages=10–12 |given1=J.L. |surname1=López Díez |given2=J.L. |surname2=Asenjo Tornell |access-date=20 June 2020 |archive-date=19 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190919185149/https://aulaairbus.etsiae.upm.es/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/A400M-Design-Requirements-Conceptual-Definition.pdf#page=10 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Since no existing turboprop engine in the western world was powerful enough to reach the projected cruise speed of Mach 0.72, a new engine design was required. Originally, the SNECMA M138 turboprop, based on the [[Snecma M88|M88]] turbofan core, was selected, but this powerplant was found to be incapable of satisfying the requirements.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Tracing the tangled roots |magazine= [[Flight International]] |date=9–15 November 2004 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/2004/2004-09%20-%202272.PDF |page=59 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151117231827/https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/2004/2004-09%20-%202272.PDF |archive-date=17 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Tracing the tangled roots |magazine= [[Flight International]] |date=9–15 November 2004 |page=60 |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/2004/2004-09%20-%202273.PDF |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151118011954/https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/2004/2004-09%20-%202273.PDF |archive-date=18 November 2015}}.</ref> In April 2002, Airbus Military issued a new [[request for proposal]] (RFP), which [[Pratt & Whitney Canada]] with the [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PW180|PW180]] and [[Europrop International]] answered. In May 2003, Airbus Military selected the [[Europrop TP400]]-D6. [[United Technologies]] alleged that the selection was a result of political interference.<ref name="Takeoff_WSJ2009">{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB20001424052748703735004574569712739616656 |title=Airbus Transport Is Almost Ready for Takeoff |first= Daniel |last=Michaels |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151018162057/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB20001424052748703735004574569712739616656 |archive-date=18 October 2015 |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |date=2 December 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=USA blasts A400M engine choice |first=Paul |last=Lewis |date=13 May 2003 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usa-blasts-a400m-engine-choice-165396/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150518085615/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usa-blasts-a400m-engine-choice-165396/ |archive-date=18 May 2015 |access-date=9 May 2015 |website=Flight International}}</ref>

A Europrop partner executive said in April 2003 that Airbus was close to selecting the P&WC offer, claiming it was more than €400 million (US$436.7 million) cheaper than Europrop's bid.<ref name="DN20030421">{{Cite magazine |date=21 April 2003 |title=Non-European engine may power A400M |url=https://www.defencetalk.com/military/forums/t/non-european-engine-may-power-a400m.247/ |magazine=Defense News |location=Berlin, Germany |volume=18 |page=1 |issn=0884-139X |given=Martin |surname=Aguera |number=16 |via=[[NewsBank]]}}</ref> As the original deadline for the engine decision passed, Airbus CEO [[Noel Forgeard]] said P&WC's bid was nearly 20 percent less expensive and declared that "As of today Pratt and Whitney is the winner without doubt; a much lower offer could make us change our minds.", inviting Europrop to revise its offering, which it reportedly reduced in price by 10 or 20 percent.<ref name="AFP20030506">{{Cite news |date=6 May 2003 |title=EADS backs European supplier for Airbus military plane |agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] |location=Paris, France |url=https://www.spacewar.com/2003-a/030506183120.g30i19w8.html}}</ref> A later report described the revised bid as exceeding P&WC's bid by €120 million.<ref name="FR200307">{{Cite magazine |date=July 2003 |title=A400M: Fewer aircraft - higher price |url=http://www.flug-revue.rotor.com/FRHeft/FRH0307/FR0307d.htm |magazine=Flug Revue |page=62 |issn=0015-4547 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20030625125619/http://www.flug-revue.rotor.com/FRHeft/FRH0307/FR0307d.htm |archive-date=25 June 2003 |first=Karl |last=Schwarz |url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Size comparison C-17 A400M C-130J-30 C-130J.jpg|thumb|The A400M (third from top) and aircraft it is intended to replace or complement: [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130]] (top), [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules|C-130J-30]] and [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III|C-17]] (bottom).]]
The original partner nations were France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Belgium, and Luxembourg. These nations decided to charge the [[Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation]] (OCCAR) with the management of the acquisition of the A400M. Following the withdrawal of Italy and revision of procurement totals, the revised requirement amounted to 180 aircraft. The first flight was forecast to occur in 2008 and first delivery in 2009. In April 2005, South Africa joined the programme, with the [[Denel]] Saab Aerostructures receiving a contract for fuselage components.<ref>[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/South-Africa-to-Cancel-its-A400M-Order-05919/ "South Africa to Cancel its A400M Order."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520101445/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/South-Africa-to-Cancel-its-A400M-Order-05919/ |date=20 May 2013}} ''Defense Industry Daily''. Retrieved: 2 May 2012.</ref> Malaysia was the second country outside Europe to be involved. Malaysia through CTRM is responsible for manufacturing composite aero components for the aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Products & Services (Aerospace) |url=https://www.ctrm.com.my/ps_a400.php |url-status=live |publisher=Composites Technology Research Malaysia |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180713210623/https://www.ctrm.com.my/ps_a400.php |archive-date=13 July 2018 |access-date=13 July 2018}}</ref>

The A400M is positioned as an intermediate size and range between the Lockheed C-130 and the [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III|Boeing C-17]], carrying cargo too large or too heavy for the C-130, while able to use rough landing strips.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 July 2010 |first=Dave |last=Harvey |title=Will the world buy the A400M? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-10631213 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161016055746/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-10631213 |archive-date=16 October 2016 |access-date=17 November 2016 |work=BBC News}}</ref>

===Delays and problems===
In January 2009, [[Airbus|EADS]] announced that the first delivery was postponed from 2009 until at least 2012, and indicated that it wanted to renegotiate.<ref>Regan, James and Tim Hepher. [https://www.reuters.com/article/eads-idUSL915166620090109 EADS wants A400M contract change, adds delay>"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018162055/http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/01/09/eads-idUSL915166620090109 |date=18 October 2015}} ''Reuters'', 9 January 2009. Retrieved: 1 July 2011.</ref> EADS maintained the first deliveries would begin three years after the first flight. In January 2009, ''[[Financial Times Deutschland]]'' reported that the A400M was overweight by 12 tons and may not have been able to meet a key performance requirement, the ability to airlift 32 tons. Sources told ''FTD'' that it could only lift 29 tons, insufficient to carry an [[infantry fighting vehicle]] like the [[Puma (IFV)|Puma]].<ref>[http://www.thelocal.de/money/20090112-16705.html "Airbus A400M military transport reportedly too heavy and weak.'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114222911/http://www.thelocal.de/money/20090112-16705.html |date=14 January 2009}} ''Thelocal.de.'' Retrieved: 20 July 2010.</ref> In response to the report, the chief of the [[German Air Force]] stated: "That is a disastrous development," and that it could delay deliveries to the German Air Force (''Luftwaffe'') until 2014.<ref>[http://www.khaleejtimes.com/biz/inside.asp?xfile=/data/internationalbusiness/2009/January/internationalbusiness_January298.xml&section=internationalbusiness "Business: EADS denies mulling collapse of A400M project."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129021415/http://www.khaleejtimes.com/biz/inside.asp?xfile=%2Fdata%2Finternationalbusiness%2F2009%2FJanuary%2Finternationalbusiness_January298.xml&section=internationalbusiness |date=29 November 2014}} ''Khaleejtimes.com'', 23 January 2009.</ref> The Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the Luftwaffe was later delayed and alternatives, such as a higher integration of European airlift capabilities, were studied.<ref>[http://www.swp-berlin.org/en/common/get_document.php?asset_id=5801 "Sascha Lange: The End for the Airbus A400M?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090728062318/http://www.swp-berlin.org/en/common/get_document.php?asset_id=5801 |date=28 July 2009}}. SWP Comments, 26 February 2009.</ref>

[[File:Airbus A-400M Atlas (19751904980).jpg|thumb|An A400M viewed from below]]
On 29 March 2009, Airbus CEO Tom Enders told ''[[Der Spiegel]]'' that the programme could possibly be abandoned without changes.<ref>Evans-Pritchard, Ambrose. [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/5071242/Airbus-admits-it-may-scrap-A400M-military-transport-aircraft-project.html "Airbus admits it may scrap A400M military transport aircraft project."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624183814/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/5071242/Airbus-admits-it-may-scrap-A400M-military-transport-aircraft-project.html |date=24 June 2018}} ''The Daily Telegraph'', 29 March 2009.</ref> OCCAR reminded participating countries that they could terminate the contract before 31 March 2009.<ref>[http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/0,1518,610493,00.html Airbus-Projekt A400M droht zu scheitern] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302081204/http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/0,1518,610493,00.html |date=2 March 2009}}, ''[[Der Spiegel]]'', 27 February 2009.</ref> In April 2009, the [[South African Air Force]] announced that it was considering alternatives to the A400M due to delays and increased cost.<ref>Engelbrecht, Leon. [http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1552&Itemid=350 "SAAF considering A400M alternative"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719151315/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1552&Itemid=350 |date=19 July 2011}}. ''DefenceWeb'', 3 April 2009.</ref> On 5 November 2009, South Africa announced the cancellation of its order .<ref>{{Cite web |title=Govt cancels multibillion-rand Airbus contract |url=http://mg.co.za/article/2009-11-05-govt-cancels-multibillionrand-airbus-contract |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118041758/http://mg.co.za/article/2009-11-05-govt-cancels-multibillionrand-airbus-contract |archive-date=18 November 2016 |access-date=17 November 2016 |website=mg.co.za|date=5 November 2009 }}</ref> On 12 June, ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported that Germany and France had delayed a decision whether to cancel their orders for six months while the UK planned to decide in late June. The NYT also quoted a report to the [[French Senate]] from February 2009, noting: "the A400M is €5&nbsp;billion over budget, 3 to 4 years behind schedule, [and] aerospace experts estimate it is also costing Airbus between €1&nbsp;billion and €1.5&nbsp;billion a year."<ref>Brothers, Caroline. [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/12/business/global/12airbus.html?_r=1&ref=europe "Germany and France Delay Decision on Airbus Military Transport."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330223901/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/12/business/global/12airbus.html?_r=1&ref=europe |date=30 March 2017}} ''The New York Times'', 11 June 2009.</ref>

In 2009, Airbus acknowledged that the programme was expected to lose at least €2.4 billion and could not break even without export sales.<ref name=Takeoff_WSJ2009/> A [[PricewaterhouseCoopers]] audit projected that it would run €11.2&nbsp;billion over budget, and that corrective measures would result in an overrun of €7.6&nbsp;billion.<ref name="reuters_pwc_audit_20100121">[https://www.reuters.com/article/eads-airbus-figures-idUSLDE60K19R20100121?type=marketsNews "Factbox: The big money behind Airbus A400M talks."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117065148/http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/01/21/eads-airbus-figures-idUSLDE60K19R20100121?type=marketsNews |date=17 November 2015}} ''Reuters'', 21 January 2010.</ref> On 24 July 2009, the seven European nations announced that the programme would proceed and formed a joint procurement agency to renegotiate the contract.<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=conewsstory&tkr=BA:US&sid=aM.h7daOYOgI "Airbus gets extension of A400M Contract Moratorium."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117032245/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=conewsstory&tkr=BA:US&sid=aM.h7daOYOgI |date=17 November 2015}} ''Bloomberg News'', 27 July 2009.</ref> On 9 December 2009, the ''[[Financial Times]]'' reported that Airbus requested an additional €5&nbsp;billion subsidy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EADS pleads for €5bn to complete A400M |url=https://www.ft.com/content/a6239b0e-e4ea-11de-817b-00144feab49a |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100312062400/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a6239b0e-e4ea-11de-817b-00144feab49a.html?nclick_check=1 |archive-date=12 March 2010 |website=Financial Times}}</ref> In January 2010, Airbus repeated that the A400M could possibly be scrapped, costing it €5.7&nbsp;billion unless €5.3&nbsp;billion was added by partner governments.<ref name="FTscrap">Hollinger, Peggy, Pilita Clark and Jeremy Lemer. [https://www.ft.com/content/dfb12870-f9f1-11de-adb4-00144feab49a "Airbus threatens to scrap A400M aircraft."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924145832/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/dfb12870-f9f1-11de-adb4-00144feab49a.html?catid=4&SID=google |date=24 September 2015}} ''Financial Times'', 5 January 2010.</ref> Delays had already increased its budget by 25%.<ref>[https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8452493.stm "Airbus chief 'may cancel A400M'."]  ''BBC News'', 12 January 2010.</ref> Airbus executives reportedly regarded the A400M as competing for resources with the [[Airbus A380|A380]] and [[Airbus A350|A350 XWB]] programmes.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Airbus' military plane continues to distract |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8491206.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416172120/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8491206.stm |archive-date=16 April 2016 |access-date=17 November 2016 |website=BBC News|date=3 February 2010 }}</ref>

In June 2009, Lockheed Martin said that both the UK and France had requested details on the C-130J as an alternative to the A400M.<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=aNcg2IMlOgv4 "U.K., France Seek Data on Super Hercules Plane, Lockheed Says."] ''Bloomberg.''</ref>

In November 2010, Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain and Turkey finalised the contract and agreed to lend Airbus Military €1.5 billion. The programme was then at least three years behind schedule. The UK reduced its order from 25 to 22 aircraft and Germany from 60 to 53, decreasing the total order from 180 to 170.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Christina Mackenzie |date=1 January 2011 |title=Partner Nations Approve A400M Contract |url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/partner-nations-approve-a400m-contract |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428141757/http://aviationweek.com/awin/partner-nations-approve-a400m-contract |archive-date=28 April 2016 |publisher=[[Aviation Week]]}}</ref>

In 2013, France's budget for 50 aircraft was €8.9bn (~US$11.7bn) at a unit cost of €152.4M (~US$200M), or €178M (~US$235M) including development costs.<ref name="Francebudget2013">{{Cite web |date=21 November 2013 |title=Projet de loi de finances pour 2014 : Défense : équipement des forces |url=http://www.senat.fr/rap/a13-158-8/a13-158-813.html#toc174 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113175152/http://www.senat.fr/rap/a13-158-8/a13-158-813.html#toc174 |archive-date=13 January 2014 |publisher=Senate of France |language=French}}</ref> The [[2013 French White Paper on Defence and National Security]] cut the tactical transport aircraft requirement from 70 to 50.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Merchet |first=Jean-Dominique |date=30 April 2013 |title=Armée de l'air : moins d'une quarantaine d'A400M devrait être commandée |url=http://www.marianne.net/blogsecretdefense/Armee-de-l-air-moins-d-une-quarantaine-d-A400-M-devrait-etre-commandee_a1026.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510070941/http://www.marianne.net/blogsecretdefense/Armee-de-l-air-moins-d-une-quarantaine-d-A400-M-devrait-etre-commandee_a1026.html |archive-date=10 May 2013 |publisher=[[Marianne (magazine)|Marianne]] |language=French}}</ref> As the A400M was unable to perform helicopter in-flight refuelling, France announced in 2016 that it would purchase four C-130Js.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stevenson |first=Beth |date=5 January 2016 |title=France reportedly confirms C-130J buy |work=Flightglobal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/france-reportedly-confirms-c-130j-buy-420518/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328141552/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/france-reportedly-confirms-c-130j-buy-420518/ |archive-date=28 March 2016}}</ref> In July 2016, French aerospace laboratory [[ONERA]] confirmed successful [[wind tunnel]] trials of a {{cvt|36.5|m}} hose and drogue configuration to permit helicopter refuelling by the A400M. Prior tests found instability in the intended {{cvt|24|m}} hose due to [[Wingtip vortices|vortice]]s generated by the [[Spoiler (aeronautics)|spoilers]], deployed to achieve 108-130 kt air speed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 July 2016 |title=French aerospace laboratory details A400M refuelling tests |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/french-aerospace-laboratory-details-a400m-refuelling-427792/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726132616/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/french-aerospace-laboratory-details-a400m-refuelling-427792/ |archive-date=26 July 2016 |publisher=FlightGlobal}}</ref>

In April 2016, production faults affecting 14 propeller gearboxes (PGBs) produced by Italian supplier [[Avio]] Aero were discovered. The issue, involving a [[heat treating|heat treatment]] process that weakened the ring gear, affected no other PGBs; the units involved needed changing. Airbus noted: "pending full replacement of the batch, any aircraft can continue to fly with no more than one affected propeller gearbox installed and is subject to continuing inspections." Another PGB issue involved input pinion plug cracking, which could release small metallic particles into the oil system, which is safeguarded by a magnetic sensor. Only engines 1 and 3, which have propellers that rotate to the right, were affected. The [[European Aviation Safety Agency]] (EASA) issued an Airworthiness Directive mandating immediate on-wing inspection, followed by replacement if evidence of damage was found.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 April 2016 |title=Airbus A400M engine glitch seen taking weeks to fix |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-airbus-a400m-engines-idUSKCN0X22G7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623033042/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-airbus-a400m-engines-idUSKCN0X22G7 |archive-date=23 June 2018}}</ref> On 27 April 2016, Airbus warned there may be a substantial PGB repair cost.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 April 2016 |title=Airbus Reports A400M Engine Gearbox Problems Will Cause Delays |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/2016/04/28/airbus-reports-a400m-engine-gearbox-problems-cause-delays/83643340/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20160515134137/http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air%2Dspace/2016/04/28/airbus%2Dreports%2Da400m%2Dengine%2Dgearbox%2Dproblems%2Dcause%2Ddelays/83643340/ |archive-date=15 May 2016 |publisher=Defense News}}</ref> An interim PGB fix was certified in July 2016, greatly extending inspection intervals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shalal |first=Andrea |date=9 July 2016 |title=Interim fix for A400M engine issue certified: Airbus |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-airshow-britain-airbus-a400m-idUSKCN0ZP0R9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712100402/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-airshow-britain-airbus-a400m-idUSKCN0ZP0R9 |archive-date=12 July 2016 |website=reuters.com |publisher=Reuters}}</ref>

In May 2016, Airbus confirmed that a cracking behaviour identified during quality control checks in 2011 was found in a French A400M's fuselage part. Not impacting safety, it could be repaired during regular maintenance/upgrade schedules.<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 May 2016 |title=Airbus wants to replace A400M parts after cracks found, Germany says |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/airbus-germany-idUSL5N18A67J |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912180134/http://www.reuters.com/article/airbus-germany-idUSL5N18A67J |archive-date=12 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 May 2016 |title=Germany Presses Airbus to Resolve A400M Problems |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/support/2016/05/18/germany-presses-airbus-resolve-a400m-problems/84536234/ |publisher=Defense News}}</ref> The aluminium-zinc [[alloy]], known as [[Aluminium alloy#7000 series|7000 series]], was used in several central frames. Its chemistry, along with environmental conditions, led to crack propagation. The alloy was excluded from future aircraft. A retrofit to remove it from early A400Ms, which could take up to seven months, was considered.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 July 2016 |title=Airbus Works Through A400M Woes |url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/airbus-works-through-a400m-woes? |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702164419/http://aviationweek.com/defense/airbus-works-through-a400m-woes |archive-date=2 July 2016 |publisher=Aviation Week}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=A400M Technical Problems |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/a400m-tech.htm |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=www.globalsecurity.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Plokker |first1=Matthijs |last2=Daverschot |first2=Derk |last3=Beumler |first3=Thomas |title=ICAF 2009, Bridging the Gap between Theory and Operational Practice |chapter=Hybrid Structure Solution for the A400M Wing Attachment Frames |date=2009 |editor-last=Bos |editor-first=M. J. |chapter-url=https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-90-481-2746-7_22 |language=en |location=Dordrecht |publisher=Springer Netherlands |pages=375–385 |doi=10.1007/978-90-481-2746-7_22 |isbn=978-90-481-2746-7}}</ref>

On 29 May 2016, Enders conceded in an interview published in [[Bild am Sonntag]] that some of the "massive problems" of the A400M were of Airbus' own making: "We underestimated the engine problems...Airbus had let itself be persuaded by some well-known European leaders into using an engine made by an inexperienced consortium." Furthermore, it had assumed full responsibility for the engine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 May 2016 |title=Airbus Concedes Some A400M Problems Are 'Homemade' |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/policy-budget/industry/2016/05/29/airbus-concedes-problems-home-made/85128382/ |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20170510045903/http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/policy%2Dbudget/industry/2016/05/29/airbus%2Dconcedes%2Dproblems%2Dhome%2Dmade/85128382/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 May 2017 |publisher=Defense News |access-date=31 May 2016 }}</ref> On 27 July 2016, Airbus confirmed that it took a $1 billion charge over delivery issues and export prospects.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 July 2016 |title=Airbus Announces Additional €1B in Financial Charges for A400M |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/2016/07/27/airbus-a400m-financial-charge/87607522/? |publisher=Defense News}}</ref> Enders also stated that "Industrial efficiency and the step-wise introduction of the A400M's military functionalities are still lagging behind schedule and remain challenging."<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 July 2016 |title=Airbus takes fresh €1bn charge against A400M |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/airbus-takes-fresh-1bn-charge-against-a400m-427909/? |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728155205/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/airbus-takes-fresh-1bn-charge-against-a400m-427909/ |archive-date=28 July 2016 |publisher=FlightGlobal}}</ref>

===Flight testing===
Before the first flight, required airborne test time on the [[Europrop TP400]] engine was achieved using a C-130 [[testbed aircraft]], which first flew on 17 December 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaminski-Morrow |first=David |date=17 December 2008 |title=Airbus A400M's engine becomes airborne for first time |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/12/17/320258/pictures-airbus-a400ms-engine-becomes-airborne-for-first-time.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218205101/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/12/17/320258/pictures-airbus-a400ms-engine-becomes-airborne-for-first-time.html |archive-date=18 December 2008 |work=Flightglobal}}</ref> On 11 December 2009, the A400M's [[maiden flight]] was carried out from Seville.<ref name="ff">{{Cite web |date=11 December 2009 |title=Updated- Pictures & Video: Airbus celebrates as A400M gets airborne |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/12/11/336083/updated-pictures.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091214021041/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/12/11/336083/updated-pictures.html |archive-date=14 December 2009 |work=[[Flight International]]}}</ref> In April 2010, the second A400M made its first flight.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://militaryaircraft-airbusds.com/PressCenter/LatestNews/TabId/176/ArtMID/681/ArticleID/119/Second-Airbus-Military-A400M-completes-maiden-flight.aspx |title=Second Airbus Military A400M completes maiden flight. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518094619/http://militaryaircraft-airbusds.com/PressCenter/LatestNews/TabId/176/ArtMID/681/ArticleID/119/Second-Airbus-Military-A400M-completes-maiden-flight.aspx |archive-date=18 May 2015 |publisher= Airbus Military |date= 9 April 2010}}</ref> In July 2010, the third A400M took to the air, at which point the fleet had flown 400 hours over more than 100 flights.<ref name="3rd_A400M_flies">{{citation |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/07/09/344266/picture-third-a400m-takes-to-the-air.html |title=Picture: Third A400M takes to the air. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100711134650/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/07/09/344266/picture-third-a400m-takes-to-the-air.html |archive-date=11 July 2010 |work=Flight International |date= 9 July 2011}}</ref> In July 2010, the A400M passed ultimate-load testing of the wing.<ref>[http://www.defpro.com/news/details/17309/ "A400M wing passes critical test."] ''defpro.com'', 3 August 2010. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317030806/http://www.defpro.com/news/details/17309/ |date=17 March 2012}}</ref> In October 2010, Airbus announced the start of refuelling and air-drop tests.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/10/28/349074/a400m-close-to-first-air-drop-refuelling-tests-says.html "A400M close to first air drop, refuelling tests, says Airbus."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031173442/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/10/28/349074/a400m-close-to-first-air-drop-refuelling-tests-says.html |date=31 October 2010}} ''Flightglobal.com'', 31 October 2010.</ref> By October 2010, the A400M had flown 672 hours of the 2,700 hours expected to reach certification.<ref name="AW20101104">{{Cite magazine |date=4 November 2010 |title=Airbus To Ramp Up A400M Test Effort |url=http://fr.viadeo.com/fr/groups/detaildiscussion/?containerId=002159fj8yppl5m1&forumId=0022dhsfupizwmvw&messageId=0022dhsfupizwmvw&action=messageDetail |magazine=[[Aviation Week]] |given1=Max |surname1=Kingsley-Jones |given2=Jens |surname2=Flottau }}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In November 2010, the first paratroop jumps were performed. Enders and A400M project manager Bruno Delannoy were among the skydivers.<ref>Hoyle, Craig. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/11/08/349448/picture-first-paratroops-jump-from-europes-a400m.html "Picture: First paratroops jump from Europe's A400M."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110032445/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/11/08/349448/picture-first-paratroops-jump-from-europes-a400m.html |date=10 November 2010}} ''Flightglobal.com'', 10 November 2010.</ref>

[[File:Airbus A400M Rollout.JPG|thumb|The first A400M during its global presentation in Seville, June 2008]]
In late 2010, simulated icing tests were performed on the MSN1 flight test aircraft using devices installed on the wing's [[leading edge]]s. These revealed an aerodynamic issue causing horizontal tail [[Aeroelasticity#Buffeting|buffeting]], resolved via a six-week retrofit to install anti-icing equipment fed with [[bleed air]]. Production aircraft are similarly fitted.<ref name="FlightGlobal1">{{Cite magazine |date=27 October 2011 |title=Bearing up: Airbus Military's 'Grizzly' nears civil certification |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bearing-up-airbus-militarys-grizzly-nears-civil-certification-363962/ |magazine=[[Flight International]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111110121410/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bearing-up-airbus-militarys-grizzly-nears-civil-certification-363962/ |archive-date=10 November 2011 |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |url-status=live}}</ref> Winter tests were done in [[Kiruna]], Sweden in February 2011.<ref>Perry, Dominic. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/02/08/352880/picture-a400m-undergoes-swedish-winter-trials.html "A400M undergoes Swedish winter trials."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211162250/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/02/08/352880/picture-a400m-undergoes-swedish-winter-trials.html |date=11 February 2011}} ''Flight International'', 8 February 2011.</ref> In March 2012, high-altitude start and landing tests were performed at [[El Alto International Airport|La Paz]] at 4,061.5&nbsp;m (13,325&nbsp;ft) and [[Jorge Wilstermann International Airport|Cochabamba]] at 2,548 m (8,360 feet) in [[Bolivia]].<ref name="sld">[http://www.sldinfo.com/the-global-tour-of-the-a400m/ "The global tour of the A400M."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129193806/http://www.sldinfo.com/the-global-tour-of-the-a400m/ |date=29 November 2014}} ''Second Line of Defense''. Retrieved: 16 April 2012.</ref><ref name="fg">[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-a400m-has-high-time-in-la-paz-370203/ "A400M has high time in La Paz"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730071722/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-a400m-has-high-time-in-la-paz-370203/ |date=30 July 2012}} ''[[Flightglobal]]'', 30 March 2012.</ref>

By April 2011, a total of 1,400 flight hours over 450 flights had been achieved.<ref>Hoyle, Craig. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/04/07/355315/a400m-contract-amendment-signed-as-test-fleet-passes-1400-flight.html "A400M contract amendment signed, as test fleet passes 1,400 flight hours."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410174319/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/04/07/355315/a400m-contract-amendment-signed-as-test-fleet-passes-1400-flight.html |date=10 April 2011}} ''Flight International'', 7 April 2011.</ref> In May 2011, the TP400-D6 engine received certification from the EASA.<ref name="Def-News_TP400_cert">Chuter, Andrew. [https://archive.today/20130121083714/http://defensenews.com/story.php?i=6433535&c=EUR&s=AIR "A400M Engine Wins Safety Certification."] ''Defense News'', 6 May 2011.</ref> In May 2011, the A400M fleet had totaled 1,600 hours over 500 flights. By September 2011, the total increased to 2,100 hours and 684 flights.<ref>Hoyle, Craig. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/09/08/361726/a400m-fleet-passes-2000-test-hours-despite-engine-issue.html "Pictures: New-look A400M readied for icing trials."] ''Flight International'', 16 July 2011.</ref> Due to a gearbox problem, an A400M was shown on static display instead of a flight demonstration at the 2011 [[Paris Air Show]].<ref>Morrison, Murdo. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/06/19/358240/paris-engine-problems-prevent-a400m-flying-at-show.html "Paris: Engine problems prevent A400M flying at show."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622120715/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/06/19/358240/paris-engine-problems-prevent-a400m-flying-at-show.html |date=22 June 2011}} ''Flight International'', 19 July 2011.</ref> By October 2011, total flight hours had reached 2,380 over 784 flights.<ref name="FlightGlobal1" />

In May 2012, the MSN2 flight test aircraft was due to spend a week conducting unpaved runway trials on a grass strip at [[Cottbus-Drewitz Airport]] in Germany.<ref name="FlightGlobal2">Hoyle, Craig. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/soft-ground-cuts-short-a400m-landing-trials-372340/ "Soft ground cuts short A400M landing trials."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607072916/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/soft-ground-cuts-short-a400m-landing-trials-372340/ |date=7 June 2012}} ''[[Flightglobal]]'', 25 May 2012.</ref> Testing was cut short on 23 May, when, during a rejected takeoff test, the left side main wheels broke through the runway surface. Airbus Military stated that it found the aircraft's behaviour was "excellent". The undamaged aircraft returned to Toulouse.<ref name="FlightGlobal2" />

At the 2012 [[Royal International Air Tattoo]], the aircraft was officially named "Atlas"<ref name="Official naming">{{citation |url=http://www.airbusmilitary.com/LatestNews/tabid/176/ArticleID/205/ArtMID/681/A400M-ATLAS-naming-ceremony-at-RIAT.aspx |title=A400M naming ceremony at RIAT. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217123041/http://www.airbusmilitary.com/LatestNews/tabid/176/ArticleID/205/ArtMID/681/A400M-ATLAS-naming-ceremony-at-RIAT.aspx |archive-date=17 December 2013 |publisher=[[Airbus Military]] |date=6 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{citation |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/riat-a400m-reborn-as-atlas-373861/ |title=RIAT: A400M reborn as 'Atlas' |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217121014/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/riat-a400m-reborn-as-atlas-373861/ |archive-date=17 December 2013 |work=Flightglobal |date=6 July 2012}}.</ref>

In March 2013, the A400M was granted [[type certification]] by the EASA, clearing its entry to service.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Airbus Military A400M Receives Full Civil Type Certificate From EASA |url=http://defense-update.com/20130314_airbus-military-a400m-receives-full-civil-type-certificate-from-easa.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419101250/http://defense-update.com/20130314_airbus-military-a400m-receives-full-civil-type-certificate-from-easa.html |archive-date=19 April 2015 |access-date=9 May 2015 |website=defense-update.com|date=14 March 2013 }}</ref>

===Production and delivery===
Assembly of the first A400M began at the Seville plant of [[Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA|EADS Spain]] in early 2007. Major assemblies built at other facilities abroad were brought to the Seville facility by [[Airbus Beluga]] transporters. In February 2008, four Europrop TP400-D6 flight test engines were delivered for the first A400M.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090109231047/http://www.reuters.com/article/blogBurst/investing?type=hotStocksNews&w1=B7ovpm21IaDoL40ZFnNfGe&w2=B7pJeHult9GszE37UXlSpmUm&src=blogBurst_investingNews&bbPostId=Cz6kWAoEsHafEB1MocXQQ0XIFCz4UKnM6iuVsvBBiw0AQO74dt&bbParentWidgetId=B7gSUbux1hpbz8uOa7TWsLnV "Fourth Engine for A400M Brings First Flight Closer"]. Reuters,</ref> Static structural testing of a test airframe began in March 2008 in Spain.<ref>[http://www.airbusmilitary.com/press.html "Static test programme begins on aircraft MSN 5000"]. EADS, 28 March 2008. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090708042914/http://www.airbusmilitary.com/press.html |date=8 July 2009}}</ref> By 2010, Airbus planned to manufacture 30 aircraft per year.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070716162505/http://www.a400m-countdown.com/index.php?v=4&spage=3 "A400M Countdown #4 – A Progress report from Airbus Military."]}} ''A400m-countdown.com''. Retrieved: 20 July 2010.</ref> The Turkish partner, [[Turkish Aerospace Industries]], delivered the first A400M component to Bremen in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TAI Achieves Shipment of the First A400M Component to Bremen |url=http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/68008/tai-ships-first-a400m-component-to-airbus-(apr-7).html |website=www.defense-aerospace.com |access-date=21 March 2020 |archive-date=21 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321073650/http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/68008/tai-ships-first-a400m-component-to-airbus-(apr-7).html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:A400m flaps down.jpg|thumb|The first A400M during its fourth flight, January 2010]]
The first flight, originally scheduled for early 2008, was postponed due to delays and financial pressures. EADS announced in January 2008 that engine issues had been responsible for the delay. The rescheduled first flight, set for July 2008, was again postponed. Civil certification under EASA CS-25 was followed by certification for military uses. In June 2008, the A400M was rolled out in Seville at an event presided by [[King Juan Carlos I]] of Spain.<ref>[http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/Rey/estrena/Airbus/400/mayor/avion/militar/fabricacion/europea/elpepueco/20080626elpepueco_12/Tes "El Rey estrena el Airbus 400, el mayor avión militar de fabricación europea."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520065552/http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/Rey/estrena/Airbus/400/mayor/avion/militar/fabricacion/europea/elpepueco/20080626elpepueco_12/Tes |date=20 May 2011}} ''ELPAÍS.com''.</ref>

On 12 January 2011, serial production began.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 January 2011 |title=A400M Gets Going |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3A27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3A62b03119-ba99-4b68-8cd3-37ed4c716803&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002182916/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3A27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3A62b03119-ba99-4b68-8cd3-37ed4c716803&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest |archive-date=2 October 2012}}</ref> In August 2013, the first A400M was delivered to the [[French Air and Space Force|French Air Force]]. It was formally handed over during a ceremony in September 2013.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/french-acceptance-sees-a400m-deliveries-take-off-389029/ "French acceptance sees A400M deliveries take off"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102085101/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/french-acceptance-sees-a400m-deliveries-take-off-389029/ |date=2 November 2013}}. Flight International, 1 August 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/france-formally-accepts-a400m-transport-391116/ "France formally accepts A400M transport"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219022845/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/france-formally-accepts-a400m-transport-391116/ |date=19 December 2013}}. Flight International, 30 September 2013.</ref> In August 2013, the first Turkish A400M conducted its maiden flight from Seville.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 August 2013 |title=First Airbus Military A400M for Turkish Air Force makes maiden flight |url=http://www.eads.com/eads/int/en/news/press.20130812_airbus_military_a400m_turkey.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029193408/http://www.eads.com/eads/int/en/news/press.20130812_airbus_military_a400m_turkey.html |archive-date=29 October 2013 |publisher=EADS}}</ref> In March 2015, Malaysia received its first A400M.<ref name="fgMal">{{Cite web |last=Waldron |first=Greg |date=10 March 2015 |title=Malaysia receives first A400M |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-malaysia-receives-first-a400m-409951/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312010006/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-malaysia-receives-first-a400m-409951/ |archive-date=12 March 2015 |website=[[Flightglobal]]}}</ref>

In May 2015, it was revealed that the member nations had created a Programme Monitoring Team (PMT) to review and monitor progress in the A400M's development and production. The PMT inspects the final assembly line in Seville and other production sites. Early conclusions observed that Airbus lacked an integrated approach to production, development and retrofits, treating these as separate programmes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 May 2015 |title=A400M Countries Form Monitoring Team, Germany Warns of Airlift Gap |url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/a400m-countries-form-monitoring-team-germany-warns-airlift-gap |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522023103/http://aviationweek.com/defense/a400m-countries-form-monitoring-team-germany-warns-airlift-gap |archive-date=22 May 2015 |publisher=Aviation Week}}</ref>

[[File:Airbus A400M Atlas of the Spanish Air Force (code EC-400) arrives RIAT Fairford 18July2019 arp.jpg|thumb|An A400M demonstrator arrives for the 2019 [[RIAT]], England.]]
On 9 May 2015, an A400M [[2015 Seville Airbus A400M crash|crashed in Seville]] on its first test flight.<ref>{{Cite web |last=M. J. Pereira |date=10 May 2015 |title=El A400M accidentado comunicó problemas en el tren de aterrizaje tras despegar |url=http://sevilla.abc.es/sevilla/20150509/sevi-a400m-accidentado-comunico-problemas-201505091543.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518095908/http://sevilla.abc.es/sevilla/20150509/sevi-a400m-accidentado-comunico-problemas-201505091543.html |archive-date=18 May 2015 |website=ABC de Sevilla}}</ref> Germany, Malaysia, Turkey and UK suspended flights during the investigation.<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 May 2015 |title=UK halts Airbus A400M usage after Seville crash |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/may/10/uk-mod-halts-airbus-a400m-seville-crash-spain |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318175140/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/may/10/uk-mod-halts-airbus-a400m-seville-crash-spain |archive-date=18 March 2017}}</ref> Initial focus centered on whether the crash had been caused by new fuel supply management software for trimming the fuel tanks to enable certain manoeuvres; Airbus issued an update instructing operators to inspect all Engine Control Units (ECUs).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Software Cut Off Fuel Supply in Stricken A400M |url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/software-cut-fuel-supply-stricken-a400m/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522041206/http://aviationweek.com/defense/software-cut-fuel-supply-stricken-a400m |archive-date=22 May 2015 |access-date=19 May 2015 |website=Aviation Week}}</ref> A key scenario examined by investigators was that the torque calibration parameter data had accidentally been wiped on three engines during software installation, preventing [[FADEC]] operations.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 June 2015 |title=A400M probe focuses on impact of accidental data wipe |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-airbus-a400m-idUSKBN0OP2AS20150609 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151103220945/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/06/09/us-airbus-a400m-idUSKBN0OP2AS20150609 |archive-date=3 November 2015}}</ref> On 3 June 2015, Airbus announced that investigators had confirmed "that engines one, two and three experienced power frozen after lift-off and did not respond to the crew's attempts to control the power setting in the normal way."<ref name="defensenews1">{{Cite web |date=27 May 2015 |title=Airbus Says 3 of 4 Engines Failed in Spain A400M Crash |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/international/europe/2015/06/03/airbus-says-3-of-4-engines-failed-in-spain-a400m-crash/28399947/ |publisher=Defense News}}</ref>

On 11 June 2015, Spain's Ministry of Defence announced that prototypes could restart test flights and that further permits could soon be granted.<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 June 2015 |title=Airbus can restart A400M test flights in Spain after crash: Defense Ministry |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-spain-airbus-flights-idUSKBN0OR2H920150611 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018162055/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/06/11/us-spain-airbus-flights-idUSKBN0OR2H920150611 |archive-date=18 October 2015}}</ref> The RAF lifted its suspension on A400M flights on 16 June 2015, followed the next day by the Turkish Air Force.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 June 2015 |title=Airbus hoping to resume A400M deliveries |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/1bb48a60-1445-11e5-9bc5-00144feabdc0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117013848/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/1bb48a60-1445-11e5-9bc5-00144feabdc0,Authorised=false.html |archive-date=17 November 2015}}</ref> On 19 June 2015, deliveries restarted.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 June 2015 |title=Airbus resumes A400M customer deliveries |url=http://www.janes.com/article/52483/airbus-resumes-a400m-customer-deliveries |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150624035326/http://www.janes.com/article/52483/airbus-resumes-a400m-customer-deliveries |archive-date=24 June 2015 |publisher=IHS Jane's 360}}</ref> In June 2016, the French Air Force accepted its ninth A400M, the first capable of conducting tactical tasks such as airdropping supplies. The revised standard includes the addition of cockpit armour and defensive aids system equipment, plus clearance to transfer and receive fuel in-flight.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 June 2016 |title=France receives first A400M with tactical capability |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/france-receives-first-a400m-with-tactical-capability-426592/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623160811/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/france-receives-first-a400m-with-tactical-capability-426592/ |archive-date=23 June 2016 |publisher=FlightGlobal}}</ref>

==Design==
[[File:A400 Atlas debuts during Mobility Guardian (Image 4 of 4) Aircrew members prepare an A400M Atlas.jpg|thumb|A400M cargo compartment]]

The Airbus A400M provides substantial improvements to payload, range, internal volume and operational capacity over the [[Transall C-160]] and [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|Lockheed C-130]] that it replaces or augments. It can carry up to {{convert|37|t|ST}} over {{cvt|2000|nmi}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ABOUT THE ATLAS (A400M) |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/atlas-a400m/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406145808/https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/atlas-a400m/ |archive-date=6 April 2019 |website=RAF}}</ref> The cargo box is {{cvt|17.71|m}} long excluding ramp, {{cvt|4.00|m}} wide, and {{cvt|3.85|m}} high (or {{cvt|4.00|m}} aft of the wing).<ref name="a400about" /> and can be configured to transport [[Air cargo|cargo]] or [[military personnel]], drop [[Paratrooper|paratroops]], conduct [[medical evacuation]]s or carry out aerial refuelling. It can operate out of short, soft landing strips and fly long-range cargo.<ref name="a400about" /> A typical cargo load might include six Land Rovers and their trailers, or two light armoured vehicles, or a dump truck and excavator, or a [[Patriot missile system]], or a [[Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma|Puma]] or [[Eurocopter AS532 Cougar|Cougar]] helicopter, or a truck and 25-ton trailer.<ref name="MachineDesign20050217">{{Cite magazine |date=17 February 2005 |title=Airbus builds a military airlifter: A new, multirole transporter will replace aging heavy-lift aircraft in military fleets |url=https://www.machinedesign.com/archive/article/21814411/airbus-builds-a-military-airlifter |department=Cover Story |magazine=[[Machine Design]] |volume=77 |pages=98+ |issn=0024-9114 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624182041/https://www.machinedesign.com/archive/article/21814411/airbus-builds-a-military-airlifter |archive-date=24 June 2020 |given=Stephen J. |surname=Mraz |number=4 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Airbus A400M cockpit ILA2014.jpg|thumb|Cockpit with [[side-stick]] and [[glass cockpit]] avionics]]
The A400M features a [[fly-by-wire]] flight control system with sidestick controllers and [[flight envelope protection]]. Like other Airbus aircraft, it has a full [[glass cockpit]]. Most systems are loosely based on those of the A380, but modified for the military mission. The hydraulic system has dual {{cvt|20.7|MPa|psi}} channels powering the primary and secondary flight-control actuators, landing gear, wheel brakes, cargo door and optional hose-and-drogue refuelling system. As with the A380, there is no third hydraulic system. Instead, there are two electrical systems. One is a set of dual-channel electrically powered hydraulic actuators, the other an array of electrically/hydraulically powered hybrid actuators. The dissimilar redundancy provides more protection against battle damage.<ref name="aviationweek1">{{Cite web |date=10 June 2013 |title=Pilot Report Proves A400M's Capabilities |url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/pilot-report-proves-a400m-s-capabilities |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018162055/http://aviationweek.com/defense/pilot-report-proves-a400m-s-capabilities |archive-date=18 October 2015 |publisher=Aviation Week}}</ref>

In June 2019, Airbus Defence and Space was awarded a contract by the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to integrate and certify the J-MUSIC Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) system into the A400M's Defensive Aids Sub-System (DASS) for the German Air Force. The DE DIRCM system, provided by Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG and based on [[Elbit Systems]] Ltd.'s J-MUSIC technology, enhances the aircraft's self-protection capabilities against infrared-guided missiles. The contract was scheduled to be performed over a four-year period.<ref>{{cite web |date=20 June 2019 |title=Airbus awarded contract to integrate and certify the DIRCM system |url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2019-06-airbus-awarded-contract-to-integrate-and-certify-the-dircm-system |access-date=4 June 2025 |website=Airbus}}</ref>

More than 30 percent of the airplane's structure is made of [[composite materials]]. The {{cvt|42.4|m|adj=mid}} span wing is primarily made of [[Carbon fiber reinforced plastic|carbon fibre reinforced plastic]] components, including the wing [[Spar (aeronautics)|spar]]s, the {{cvt|19|m|adj=mid}} long, {{cvt|12|–|14|mm|adj=mid}} thick wingskins, and other parts. The wing weighs about {{cvt|6500|kg|0}}, and it can carry and lift up to {{cvt|25000|kg|0}} of fuel.<ref name="CW20121231">{{Cite magazine |year=2013 |title=A400M wing assembly: Challenge of integrating composites |url=https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/a400m-wing-assembly-challenge-of-integrating-composites |magazine=High Performance Composites |volume=21 |pages=26–31 |issn=1081-9223 |oclc=838365211 |given=Jeff |surname=Sloan |number=1}}</ref> It has an [[aspect ratio]] of 8.1, a wide chord of {{cvt|5.6|m}}, and a [[sweep angle]] of 15 degrees at 25 percent [[mean aerodynamic chord]].<ref name="FI20041109-UnderTheSkin" />

The A400M has a [[T-tail]] [[empennage]]. Its vertical stabilizer is {{cvt|8.02|m}} tall. The horizontal stabilizer spans {{cvt|19.03|m}}, with a sweep of 32.5 degrees.<ref name="FI20041109-UnderTheSkin" />

[[File:A400M Propeller (Hamilton-Sundstrand).jpg|thumb|left|A400M [[Hamilton Sundstrand]] propeller at the [[Paris Air Show]], 2009]]
The [[Ratier|Ratier-Figeac]] FH385 propellers turn counterclockwise and the FH386 clockwise.<ref name="typecert">{{Cite web |title=EASA Type Certificate Data Sheet for A400M-180 |url=https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/EASA-TCDS-A.169_Airbus_A400M-04-17072013.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509013556/https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/EASA-TCDS-A.169_Airbus_A400M-04-17072013.pdf |archive-date=9 May 2018 |access-date=9 May 2018 |website=europa.eu}}</ref> The eight-bladed [[scimitar propellers]] are made from a woven composite material. The aircraft is powered by four Europrop TP400-D6 engines rated at 8,250&nbsp;kW (11,000&nbsp;hp) each.<ref name="a400about" /> The TP400-D6 engine is the most powerful turboprop engine in the West to enter operational use.<ref name=Def-News_TP400_cert/>

[[File:A400M - RIAT 2013 (9360601998).jpg|thumb|A400M showing its [[counter-rotating propellers]] on each wing]]
The pair of propellers on each wing [[Counter-rotating propellers|turn in opposite directions]], with the tips of the propellers advancing from above towards the midpoint between the two engines. This is in contrast to the overwhelming majority of multi-engine propeller driven aircraft where all propellers turn in the same direction. The counter-rotation is achieved by the use of a gearbox fitted to two of the engines, and only the propeller turns in the opposite direction. All four engines are identical and turn in the same direction. This eliminates the need to have two different "handed" engines on stock for the same aircraft, simplifying maintenance and supply costs. This configuration, dubbed ''down between engines'' (DBE), allows the engine to produce more lift and lessens the [[torque]] and [[prop wash]] on each wing. It also reduces [[Aircraft principal axes|yaw]] in the event of an outboard engine failure.<ref name="Countdown">{{Cite web |title=Focus on innovation: Down-Between-Engines (DBE) |url=http://www.a400m-countdown.com/index.php?v=2&spage=7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501074845/http://www.a400m-countdown.com/index.php?v=2&spage=7 |archive-date=1 May 2008 |url-status=usurped |website=[[Airbus Military]]}}</ref> Due to these benefits, the vertical stabilizer can be reduced by 17 percent in size, while the size of the horizontal stabilizer can be shrunk by 8 percent.<ref name="FI20041109-UnderTheSkin">{{Cite news |date=9–15 November 2004 |title=Under the skin: Airbus Military's airlifter has several things in common with its commercial siblings, sharing dimensions and composites technology that were pioneered for airliners |volume=166 |pages=46+ |work=[[Flight International]] |issue=4959 |department=A400M: Airframe |location=Toulouse, France |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/under-the-skin/57584.article |url-status=live |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702194536/https://www.flightglobal.com/power-demands/67488.article |archive-date=2 July 2020 |issn=0015-3710 |given=Guy |surname=Norris}}</ref>

A [[forward-looking infrared]] enhanced vision system (EVS) camera provides an enhanced terrain view in low-visibility conditions. The EVS imagery is displayed on the [[Head-up display|HUD]] for low-altitude flying, demonstrating its value for flying tactical missions at night or in clouds.<ref name="aviationweek1" /> EADS and Thales provide the new Multi-Colour Infrared Alerting Sensor (MIRAS) missile warning sensor for the A400M.<ref>[http://www.iaf.fraunhofer.de/pdf/jahresbericht-2006/sensor.pdf "IR Sensors Page 4 English Seite 5 deutsch]. [[Fraunhofer Society|IAF.Fraunhofer]] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090731042619/http://www.iaf.fraunhofer.de/pdf/jahresbericht-2006/sensor.pdf |date=31 July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=EADS and Thales to supply latest-technology missile warner to A400M |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/09/mil-050928-eads01.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060107202706/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2005/09/mil-050928-eads01.htm |archive-date=7 January 2006 |website=globalsecurity.org}}</ref>

The A400M has a removable refuelling probe mounted above the cockpit, allowing it to receive fuel from drogue-equipped tankers.<ref name="a400about">{{Cite web |title=Military Aircraft Airbus DS – A400M |url=http://www.airbusmilitary.com/Aircraft/A400M/A400MAbout.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701075336/http://www.airbusmilitary.com/Aircraft/A400M/A400MAbout.aspx |archive-date=1 July 2014 |access-date=9 May 2015 |website=[[Airbus Military]]}}</ref> Optionally, the receiving probe can be replaced with a fuselage-mounted UARRSI receptacle for receiving fuel from boom equipped tankers.<ref name="A400M as a tanker.">{{Cite web |title=A400M as a tanker |url=http://www.c295.ca/wp-content/uploads/a400m-tanker-data-sheet.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923195621/http://www.c295.ca/wp-content/uploads/a400m-tanker-data-sheet.pdf |archive-date=23 September 2015 |access-date=14 May 2013 |website=[[Airbus Military]]}}</ref> The aircraft can act as a tanker when fitted with two wing mounted hose and drogue under-wing refuelling pods or a centre-line Hose and Drum unit.<ref name="a400about" /> The refuelling pods can transfer fuel to other aircraft at a rate of {{cvt|2640|lb/min}}.<ref name="MachineDesign20050217" />

The A400M features deployable baffles in front of the rear side doors, intended to give paratroops time to get clear of the aircraft before they are hit by the slipstream.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Klimek, Chris |date=1 April 2015 |title=Tom Cruise Hangs on to a Flying Airbus (Really) in the Next Mission Impossible |url=http://www.airspacemag.com/daily-planet/tom-cruise-hitches-ride-side-airbus-a400m-emmission-impossible-rogue-nationem-180954805/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510075941/http://www.airspacemag.com/daily-planet/tom-cruise-hitches-ride-side-airbus-a400m-emmission-impossible-rogue-nationem-180954805/ |archive-date=10 May 2015 |website=airspacemag.com}}</ref>

==Operational history==
[[File:Mobility Guardian (Image 37 of 37) A French Air Force A400M Atlas performs multiple airdrops at Yakima Training Center.jpg|thumb|A French A400M performs airdrops during Exercise Mobility Guardian 2017.]]
[[File:German Luftwaffe Airbus A400M of LTG 62 refuels Boeing FA-18E Super Hornet of VFA-211 over the Agean Sea on 3 March 2022 (220303-N-NO874-1006).jpg|thumb|A German A400M refuels a [[US Navy]] [[Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet|F/A-18E Super Hornet]] patrolling NATO airspace during the 2022 [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]].]]

On 29 December 2013, the French Air Force performed the A400M's first operational mission: an aircraft flew to [[Mali]] in support of [[Operation Serval]].<ref name="Flt_A400M_operational_debut">{{Cite web |last=Hoyle, Craig |date=6 January 2014 |title=French Mali mission gives A400M operational debut |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/french-mali-mission-gives-a400m-operational-debut-394565/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213234610/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/french-mali-mission-gives-a400m-operational-debut-394565/ |archive-date=13 February 2014 |website=Flight International}}</ref>

On 10 September 2015, the [[Royal Air Force|RAF]] was declared the A400M fleet leader in terms of flying hours, with 900 hours flown over 300 sorties, achieved by a fleet of four aircraft. Sqn. Ldr. Glen Willcox of the RAF's Heavy Aircraft Test Squadron confirmed that reliability levels were high for an aircraft so early in its career, and that night vision goggle trials, hot and cold soaking, noise characterization tests and the first tie-down schemes for cargo had already been completed. In March 2015, the RAF's first operational mission occurred, flying cargo to [[RAF Akrotiri]], [[Cyprus]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 September 2015 |title=A400M Deliveries Create Headaches For Uk |url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/a400m-deliveries-create-headaches-uk?NL=AW-05&Issue=AW-05_20150914_AW-05_283&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_3&utm |publisher=Aviation Week}}</ref>

In September and October 2017, A400Ms from France, Germany and the UK participated in disaster relief operations following [[Hurricane Irma]] in the [[Caribbean]], delivering a [[Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma|Puma]] helicopter, food, water and other aid supply, and evacuating stranded people.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vigoureux |first=Thierry |date=10 September 2017 |title=Irma : l'Airbus A400M opérationnel aux Antilles |language=fr |trans-title=Irma: Airbus A400M operative in the Antilles |work=lepoint.fr |location=Paris |url=http://www.lepoint.fr/societe/irma-l-airbus-a400m-operationnel-aux-antilles-10-09-2017-2155742_23.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729112038/http://www.lepoint.fr/societe/irma-l-airbus-a400m-operationnel-aux-antilles-10-09-2017-2155742_23.php |archive-date=29 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gebauer |first=Matthias |date=11 September 2017 |title=Bundeswehr startet Rettungsmission in der Karibik |language=de |trans-title=Bundeswehr starts rescue mission in the Caribbean |work=spiegel.de |location=Hamburg |url=http://www.spiegel.de/panorama/gesellschaft/hurrikan-irma-bundeswehr-startet-rettungsmission-in-der-karibik-a-1167175.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219042438/http://www.spiegel.de/panorama/gesellschaft/hurrikan-irma-bundeswehr-startet-rettungsmission-in-der-karibik-a-1167175.html |archive-date=19 February 2018}}</ref>

In July 2018, the German Luftwaffe used an A400M in combat conditions for the first time, transporting 75 soldiers from [[Wunstorf Air Base]] to [[Mazar-i-Sharif]], Afghanistan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 July 2018 |title=Lufttransportgeschwader 62: A400M der Luftwaffe fliegt erstmals nach Afghanistan |url=https://www.flugrevue.de/militaer/lufttransportgeschwader-62-a400m-der-luftwaffe-fliegt-erstmals-nach-afghanistan/ |website=www.flugrevue.de |access-date=21 March 2020 |archive-date=22 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922192602/https://www.flugrevue.de/militaer/lufttransportgeschwader-62-a400m-der-luftwaffe-fliegt-erstmals-nach-afghanistan/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> German Air Force Inspector Ingo Gerhartz called this a "milestone" because it was the first such mission in an active war zone and showed that the armoring kit was fully functional.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 July 2018 |title=Bundeswehr: Erstmals Bundeswehrsoldaten mit Problemflugzeug A400M nach Afghanistan gebracht |newspaper=Die Welt |url=https://www.welt.de/newsticker/news1/article179947420/Bundeswehr-Erstmals-Bundeswehrsoldaten-mit-Problemflugzeug-A400M-nach-Afghanistan-gebracht.html |via=www.welt.de}}</ref>

In September 2018, the French Air and Space Force announced that they had logged 10,000 flying hours with their fleet of 14 A400Ms, mostly flying supply missions for [[Operation Barkhane]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 September 2018 |title=A400M der Armée de l'Air haben 10.000 Flugstunden erreicht |url=https://www.aerobuzz.de/militar/a400m-der-armee-de-lair-haben-10-000-flugstunden-erreicht/ |website=Aerobuzz.de}}</ref>

The German government had planned to sell the last 13 A400Ms out of its order of 53 aircraft but failed to attract any buyers. In 2017, the German parliament decided to employ them in service at Wunstorf in northern Germany instead. In January 2019, German [[Minister of Defence (Germany)|Minister of Defence]] [[Ursula von der Leyen]] announced that 10 A400Ms were to be used to form a multinational airlift wing based at [[Lechfeld Air Base]] in southern Germany.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 January 2019 |title=Joy in Lechfeld - The A400M is coming |url=http://www.luftwaffe.de/portal/a/luftwaffe/start/archivneu/2019/jan/!ut/p/z1/hVDLTsMwEPyaXL2bB3lwS9QCRRAeUWnjC3IT4wQZO3LdBCE-HkeVKiFRsYeRdmZ2VrtAYQtUsbEXzPZaMen6msavcRatroMK79OHmwSfqjUmZRr5uAzhBTb_WaiT8UzlCFXLoXYZydmMdQAVUKAtJ41W3M5oubK9Q2GY1YYM2lg5KwdjnEL6Fmr0FwXGp1X-d5GGWbDMMFqsiuc58J2N7PM0y5r5aKg7plrJH3WTH4lboELq3fEbudqFqQBq-Bs33JCDcXRn7bC_9NDDaZqI0FpITpT28K-JTu8tbH8ZYfi4SsvyYvy645sf90rcUg!!/dz/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/#Z7_694IG2S0M8OH70QSU07N8410U2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104072904/http://www.luftwaffe.de/portal/a/luftwaffe/start/archivneu/2019/jan/!ut/p/z1/hVDLTsMwEPyaXL2bB3lwS9QCRRAeUWnjC3IT4wQZO3LdBCE-HkeVKiFRsYeRdmZ2VrtAYQtUsbEXzPZaMen6msavcRatroMK79OHmwSfqjUmZRr5uAzhBTb_WaiT8UzlCFXLoXYZydmMdQAVUKAtJ41W3M5oubK9Q2GY1YYM2lg5KwdjnEL6Fmr0FwXGp1X-d5GGWbDMMFqsiuc58J2N7PM0y5r5aKg7plrJH3WTH4lboELq3fEbudqFqQBq-Bs33JCDcXRn7bC_9NDDaZqI0FpITpT28K-JTu8tbH8ZYfi4SsvyYvy645sf90rcUg!!/dz/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/#Z7_694IG2S0M8OH70QSU07N8410U2 |archive-date=4 January 2019 |website=Official Luftwaffe website}}</ref> The plan was abandoned in 2022 due to a lack of interest from potential partner nations.<ref name="BWjourn-2022-07-12">{{Cite web |url=https://www.bundeswehr-journal.de/2022/kein-multinationaler-lufttransportverband-in-lechfeld-mehr/ |title=Kein multinationaler Lufttransportverband in Lechfeld mehr |date=2022-07-12 |access-date=2024-08-10 |website=Bundeswehr-Journal |language=de }}</ref>

In 2019, a German A400M tanker replaced the [[Airbus A310 MRTT]] deployed to [[Muwaffaq Salti Air Base]] in [[Jordan]], to refuel allied aircraft as part of the [[German intervention against ISIL]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theaviationist.com/2019/07/09/german-a400m-atlas-deployed-for-the-first-time-as-tanker-to-support-of-air-war-on-daesh/|title=The A400M will replace the A310 tanker already deployed in German Operation "Counter Daesh".|date=2019-07-09|access-date=2020-12-13|website=The Aviationist}}</ref>

In August 2021, a total of 25 A400Ms were deployed by Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Turkey and the UK to assist in the [[2021 evacuation from Afghanistan|Kabul Airport evacuations]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/new-airbus-military-aircraft-chief-bullish-on-a400m-mrtt-prospects/145352.article|title = New Airbus military aircraft chief bullish on A400M, MRTT prospects|date = 2021-09-06|access-date=2022-01-10|website=FlightGlobal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-19|title=Third French flight of evacuees from Kabul touches down in Paris|url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20210819-live-us-airlines-approved-for-evacuations-but-afghans-die-trying-to-reach-kabul-airport|access-date=2021-08-23|website=France 24|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Estebanez García|first1=Diego|last2=Chouza|first2=Paula|date=2021-08-17|title=First military plane due to repatriate Spanish nationals from Afghanistan takes off from Zaragoza|url=https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-08-17/first-military-plane-due-to-repatriate-spanish-nationals-from-afghanistan-takes-off-from-zaragoza.html|access-date=2021-08-23|website=EL PAÍS|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Roblin|first=Sebastien|date=|title=823 People, One Jet: Flight Trackers Reveal Heroic, Desperate Effort In Chaotic Afghanistan Evacuation|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/sebastienroblin/2021/08/16/800-people-one-jet-flight-trackers-reveal-heroic-desperate-effort-in-chaotic-afghanistan-evacuation/|access-date=2021-08-23|website=Forbes|language=en}}</ref> German A400Ms evacuated 5,347 people over the course of 35 flights.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flugrevue.de/militaer/letzte-a400m-haben-kabul-verlassen-afghanistan-rettungsaktion-beendet/|title = Letzte A400M haben Kabul verlassen: Afghanistan-Rettungsaktion beendet|date = 27 August 2021}}</ref>

In September 2023, Royal Air Force A400M transported British search and rescue teams to Morocco after a [[2023 Morocco earthquake|M<sub>w</sub> 6.9 earthquake]] had ravaged the country.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forcesnews.com/services/raf/raf-flies-uk-search-and-rescue-teams-morocco-following-devastating-earthquake |title=RAF flies UK search and rescue teams to Morocco following devastating earthquake |last= |first= |publisher=Forces News |date=14 September 2024 |access-date=11 September 2023}}</ref>

In October 2024, the German Air Force tested the A400M's "mixed airdrop" capability at [[Celle Air Base|Scheuen drop zone at Air Base Celle]], combining personnel and cargo drops from 400 meters at 220 km/h in different configurations. Overseen by [[Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support|BAAINBw]], the trials built on earlier NATO-standard CDS pallet trials conducted during [[Grafenwöhr Army Airfield|Grafenwöhr]] exercises in 2020 and confirmed the A400M's ability to deploy up to 4 metric tons of cargo and 108 paratroopers in a single sortie. Final military certification depends on further trials and data analysis, while Airbus certification has been granted.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-01 |title=A400M Mixed Airdrop Capability Enhancement: German Luftwaffe Tests Combined Personnel and Cargo Deployment Systems |url=https://www.grosswald.org/a400m-mixed-airdrop-capability-enhancement-german-luftwaffe-tests-combined-personnel-and-cargo-deployment-systems/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=grosswald.org - Curated News on Geopolitics, International Affairs and Defence |language=en}}</ref>

===Exports===
[[File:A400M Beach Landings MOD 45162698 (cropped).jpg|thumb|An RAF A400M Atlas takes off from a beach at [[Pembrey Sands Air Weapons Range|Pembrey Sands]], South Wales in May 2017.]]
[[File:Royal Malaysian Air Force Airbus A400M Atlas at Subang Air Base.jpg|thumb|[[Royal Malaysian Air Force]] A400M]]

; Chile: In July 2005, the [[Chilean Air Force]] signed a [[Memorandum of understanding]] for three aircraft,<ref>[http://www.airbusmilitary.com/pressrelease.html#182005 Airbus Military signs agreement with Chile] Airbus Military. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050406192920/http://www.airbusmilitary.com/pressrelease.html#182005 |date=6 April 2005}}</ref> but no order was placed. Chile began talks on buying the Brazilian [[Embraer KC-390]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=Janice |date=19 December 2011 |title=Airbus refunds A400M payments to Armscor |url=https://www.moneyweb.co.za/archive/airbus-refunds-a400m-payments-to-armscor/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170221153454/https://www.moneyweb.co.za/archive/airbus-refunds-a400m-payments-to-armscor/ |archive-date=21 February 2017 |website=MoneyWeb South Africa |location=Johannesburg}}</ref>
; Czech Republic: In February 2017, the Czech Ministries of Defence stated they were interested in a joint lease of A400Ms from Germany.<ref name="Interest">{{Cite web |last=Adamowski |first=Jaroslaw |date=14 February 2017 |title=Czech, Swiss militaries could lease Airbus A400M from Germany |url=http://www.defensenews.com/articles/czech-swiss-militaries-could-lease-airbus-a400m-from-germany |website=Defense News |location=Warsaw, Poland}}</ref>
; Hungary: In September 2020, Hungary was named the first partner of the Multinational Air Transport Unit to be established at [[Lechfeld Air Base]], with 10 A400Ms contracted to Germany,<ref name="JanesMNAU">{{Cite web |title=Germany to form A400M Multinational Air Transport Unit with Hungary |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/germany-to-form-a400m-multinational-air-transport-unit-with-hungary |access-date=11 January 2021 |website=Janes.com|date=18 September 2020 }}</ref> a plan that was dropped in 2022.<ref name="BWjourn-2022-07-12" />
; Indonesia: In January 2017, [[Indonesia]] approved the acquisition of five A400Ms to boost Indonesia's military airlift capabilities.<ref name="Indonesia">{{Cite web |last=Rahmat |first=Ridzwan |date=19 January 2017 |title=Indonesia approves acquisition of five Airbus A400Ms for USD2 billion |url=http://www.janes.com/article/67064/ |website=IHS Jane's 360 |location=Singapore}}</ref> In March 2017, a [[letter of intent]] with Airbus was signed by Pelita Air Services, representing a consortium of Indonesian aviation companies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Airbus Signs LOI with Indonesia's Pelita Air Services on A400M Transport Aircraft |url=http://www.defenseworld.net/news/18872/Airbus_Signs_LOI_With_Indonesia_s_Pelita_Air_Services_On_A400M_Transport_Aircraft |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312211921/http://www.defenseworld.net/news/18872/Airbus_Signs_LOI_With_Indonesia_s_Pelita_Air_Services_On_A400M_Transport_Aircraft |archive-date=12 March 2018 |access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref> In March 2018, the [[Indonesian Air Force]] and state entity Indonesia Trading Company (ITC) announced they were considering ordering two A400Ms, which would be crewed by the Indonesian Air Force and act in an air freight role helping to balance the prices of goods across the archipelago. The parties were interested in the aircraft's ability to operate from rough landing strips, where a normal air freighter could not, as well as the possibility of [[Offset agreement|industrial offsets]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indonesia trade agency proposes cargo use for A400M |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/indonesia-trade-agency-proposes-cargo-use-for-a400m-446667/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312105115/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/indonesia-trade-agency-proposes-cargo-use-for-a400m-446667/ |archive-date=12 March 2018 |access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref> 
: In November 2021, Airbus confirmed that the Indonesian Ministry of Defense had signed a deal with Airbus for two A400Ms, with an option, in the form of a letter of intent, for four additional aircraft.<ref name=":0" /> In December 2022, Airbus announced that the contract has been finalised.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1602230104574365696 |user=airbusdefence |title=Live at #AirbusTMB . Update on the #A400M for Indonesia: the contract has formally entered into force. We welcome Indonesia 🇮🇩 to the #A400M family as the 10th operator. https://www.airbus.com/en/Trade-Media-Briefing |author=Airbus Defence |author-link=Airbus Defence and Space |access-date=2022-12-15 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Hoyle">{{Cite web |last1=Hoyle |first1=Craig |last2=Madrid |date=2022-12-14 |title=Indonesia finalises order for A400M airlifters |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/indonesia-finalises-order-for-a400m-airlifters/151329.article |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=Flight Global |language=en}}</ref> The first aircraft was delivered in November 2025.<ref name="Indofirst">{{cite web |first=Hendrik |last=Yaputra |url=https://en.tempo.co/read/2062557/indonesias-new-airbus-a400m-to-feature-air-ambulance-and-forest-firefighting-modules |title=Indonesia's New Airbus A400M to Feature Air Ambulance and Forest Firefighting Modules |website=Tempo.co |date=3 November 2025 |access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref> Indonesian government is considering to procure four more A400M.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/indonesia-may-buy-four-more-airbus-a400m-military-planes-president-says-2025-11-03/ |title=Indonesia may buy four more Airbus A400M military planes, president says |website=Reuters |date=3 November 2025 |access-date=3 November 2025}}</ref>
; Kazakhstan: In September 2021, Kazakhstan signed an agreement with Airbus to buy two A400Ms for the [[Kazakh Air Defense Forces]].<ref name="kaz2">{{Cite web |date=1 September 2021 |title=The Republic of Kazakhstan orders two Airbus A400Ms |url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2021-09-the-republic-of-kazakhstan-orders-two-airbus-a400ms |website=Airbus }}</ref> On 5 April 2024, the first aircraft was rolled out at the A400M Final Assembly building in [[Seville]]. It was expected to be delivered to Kazakhstan before 2025.<ref name="DefenseNews 15Apr24">{{cite web |last1=Gosselin-Malo |first1=Elisabeth |title=Airbus rolls out first A400M destined for Kazakhstan |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/04/15/airbus-rolls-out-first-a400m-destined-for-kazakhstan/ |website=DefenseNews|date=15 April 2024 }}</ref><ref name="TWZ 15Apr24">{{cite web |last1=Parken |first1=Oliver |title=Paint Job On Kazakhstan's New A400M Looks Like A 'Soviet' Plane In A Bond Film |url=https://www.twz.com/air/paint-job-on-kazakhstans-new-a400m-looks-like-a-soviet-plane-in-a-bond-film |website=The Warzone|date=15 April 2024 }}</ref>
; Malaysia: In December 2005, the [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]] ordered four A400Ms to supplement its fleet of C-130 Hercules.<ref>[http://www.mmail.com.my/content/18830-a400m-price-tag-stays-rm600m-each "A400M price tag stays at RM600m each."] ''Malay Mail'', 13 November 2009. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628201305/http://www.mmail.com.my/content/18830-a400m-price-tag-stays-rm600m-each |date=28 June 2011}}</ref>
; South Africa: In December 2004, South Africa announced it would purchase eight A400Ms at a cost of approximately €837&nbsp;million, with the nation joining the Airbus Military team as an industrial partner. Deliveries were expected from 2010 to 2012.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2005/05/03/197468/south-africa-signs-for-a400m-transports.html "South Africa signs for A400M transports."] ''Flight International'', 3 May 2005.</ref> In 2009, South Africa cancelled all eight aircraft, citing increasing costs. In November 2011, Airbus Military reached an agreement to refund pre-delivery payments worth €837&nbsp;million to [[Armscor (South Africa)|Armscor]].<ref>Roberts, Janice. [http://www.moneyweb.co.za/mw/view/mw/en/page295023?oid=558212&sn=2009+Detail "Airbus refunds A400M payments to Armscor."] ''Moneyweb'', 19 December 2011.</ref>
; South Korea: In February 2019, South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) confirmed a proposal from Spain to swap an undetermined number of [[KAI T-50 Golden Eagle]]s and [[KAI KT-1 Woongbi]] trainers for A400M airlifters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grevatt |first=Jon |title=South Korea confirms potential aircraft swap deal with Spain |url=https://www.janes.com/article/86663/south-korea-confirms-potential-aircraft-swap-deal-with-spain |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224173609/https://www.janes.com/article/86663/south-korea-confirms-potential-aircraft-swap-deal-with-spain |archive-date=24 February 2019 |access-date=24 February 2019 |publisher=Jane's}}</ref>

==Variants==
;A400M Grizzly
:Five prototype and development aircraft; a sixth aircraft was cancelled.
;A400M-180 Atlas
:Production variant

==Operators==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->
[[File:Airbus A400M Atlas operators.svg|thumb|upright=2.0|A400M operators as of July 2022{{legend|#0c4c9e|Current operators}}{{legend|#1bd21f|Aircraft ordered}}]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:96%; margin:1em"
|+ A400M operators {{As of|2025|01|31|lc=y}}
|-
! Date
! Country
! Orders
! Deliveries
! Date of service entry
! Notes
|-
! colspan="6" |European clients
|-
| rowspan="7" |{{dts|27 May 2003|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|{{BEL}} || 7 || 7<ref name="ordel" /> || December 2020<ref name="First_A400M_Belgium">Hoyle, Craig. [https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/belgiums-first-atlas-caps-a400m-deliveries-for-year/141724.article "Belgium's first Atlas caps A400M deliveries for year"]. Flight Global, 22 December 2020.</ref> ||
|-
|{{FRA}} || 50 || 24<ref name="ordel" /> || August 2013<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 August 2013 |title=Airbus Military's initial A400M is delivered to the French Air Force |url=https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/news/en/2013/08/airbus-military-s-initial-a400m-is-delivered-to-the-french-air-force.html |access-date=22 May 2020 |website=airbus.com}}</ref> ||
|-
|{{DEU}} || 53 || 48<ref>{{Cite web |last=Liebe |first=Thomas |date=2025-06-12 |title=Europe’s airlift rejuvenation: is it enough? - European Security & Defence |url=https://euro-sd.com/2025/06/allgemein/44781/europes-airlift-rejuvenation-is-it-enough/ |access-date=2025-06-12 |language=en-US}}</ref> || December 2014<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |date=18 December 2014 |title=Germany receives first A400M airlifter |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/germany-receives-first-a400m-airlifter/115454.article |access-date=22 May 2020 |website=FlightGlobal}}</ref> || Order reduced from 60 to 53 (plus 7 options).<ref>[http://sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/weniger-militaertransporter-bestellt-durchbruch-im-streit-ueber-am-1.1015973 "Durchbruch im Streit über A400M" (German)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101028151530/http://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/weniger-militaertransporter-bestellt-durchbruch-im-streit-ueber-am-1.1015973 |date=28 October 2010}} ''Sueddeutsche Zeitung''. Retrieved: 27 October 2010.</ref>
|-
|{{LUX}} || 1<ref name="ordel" /> || 1<ref name="Lux_delivery" /> || October 2020<ref name="Lux_delivery">{{Cite web|url=https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/luxembourg-takes-delivery-a400m|title=Luxembourg Takes Delivery Of A400M &#124; Aviation Week Network|website=aviationweek.com}}</ref> ||Stationed in Belgium as a part of a bi-national fleet.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 March 2018 |title=Airbus-Lieferung wird auf 2020 verschoben |url=http://www.lessentiel.lu/de/luxemburg/story/Airbus-Lieferung-wird-auf-2020-verschoben-31095544 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312173730/http://www.lessentiel.lu/de/luxemburg/story/Airbus-Lieferung-wird-auf-2020-verschoben-31095544 |archive-date=12 March 2018 |publisher=lessentiel.lu |language=de}}</ref>
|-
|{{ESP}} || 27 || 14<ref name="ordel" /> || November 2016<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 November 2016 |title=Spain receives its first A400M transport |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/spain-receives-its-first-a400m-transport-431578/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118041040/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/spain-receives-its-first-a400m-transport-431578/ |archive-date=18 November 2016 |website=flightglobal.com}}</ref> || Original budget of €3,453M increased to €5,493M in 2010.<ref name="PEAs">[http://www.revistatenea.es/revistaatenea/revista/PDF/documentos/Documento_1026.pdf "Evaluación de los Programas Especiales de Armamento (PEAs)" (in Spanish).] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024113307/http://www.revistatenea.es/revistaatenea/revista/PDF/documentos/Documento_1026.pdf |date=24 October 2013}} ''Ministerio de Defensa'', Madrid (Grupo Atenea), September 2011.</ref> Delivery of 13 aircraft has been delayed until 2025–2030.<ref>[http://www.defensa.gob.es/Galerias/dgamdocs/programa-A400M.pdf "Avión de transporte A400M."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507085230/http://www.defensa.gob.es/Galerias/dgamdocs/programa-A400M.pdf |date=7 May 2018}} ''Ministerio de Defensa''. Retrieved: 6 May 2018.</ref>
|-
|{{TUR}} || 10 || 10<ref name="ordel" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Turkey completes its A400M fleet with 10th delivery!|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/turkey-completes-its-a400m-fleet-with-10th-delivery/148233.article|access-date=2021-06-01|website=www.defenceturkey.com}}</ref>|| April 2014<ref>{{Cite web |title=Airbus Defence and Space delivers A400M to Turkish Air Force |url=http://www.airbus-group.com/airbusgroup/int/en/news/press.20140404_airbus_defence_and_space_a400m_turkey.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522181017/http://www.airbus-group.com/airbusgroup/int/en/news/press.20140404_airbus_defence_and_space_a400m_turkey.html |archive-date=22 May 2014 |access-date=22 May 2014 |website=airbus-group.com}}</ref> ||
|-
|{{GBR}} || 22 || 22<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Atlas transport aircraft delivered to UK |website=UK Defence Journal |last=Dunlop |first=Tom |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/new-atlas-transport-aircraft-delivered-to-uk/ |date=22 May 2023}}</ref> || November 2014<ref>{{Cite web |title=UK's first A400M arrives at Brize Norton home |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk39s-first-a400m-arrives-at-brize-norton-home-406173/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702075406/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk39s-first-a400m-arrives-at-brize-norton-home-406173/ |archive-date=2 July 2015 |access-date=9 May 2015 |website=flightglobal.com}}</ref> || Initial order reduced from 25 to "at least 22".<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-approaches-airbus-military-thales-for-a400m-training-345891/ "UK approaches Airbus Military, Thales for A400M training service"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522031715/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-approaches-airbus-military-thales-for-a400m-training-345891/ |date=22 May 2014}} flightglobal.com, August 2010.</ref> A purchase of additional aircraft is planned for the late 2020s.<ref>{{cite news |title=UK planning to purchase additional A400M transport aircraft |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-planning-to-purchase-additional-a400m-transport-aircraft/ |access-date=7 January 2022 |work=[[UK Defence Journal]] |date=6 January 2022}}</ref>
|-
! colspan="6" |Asian clients
|-
| {{dts|18 November 2021|format=dmy|abbr=on}}
|{{INA}}
|2
|1<ref name="Indofirst"/>
|November 2025<ref name="Indofirst"/>
|Two A400Ms in MRTT configuration were ordered;<ref name="Hoyle" /> a [[letter of intent]] contains options for four additional aircraft.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Indonesia Ministry of Defence orders two Airbus A400Ms {{!}} Airbus|url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2021-11-indonesia-ministry-of-defence-orders-two-airbus-a400ms|access-date=2021-11-18|website=www.airbus.com|date=17 November 2021 }}</ref>
|-
| {{dts|1 September 2021|format=dmy|abbr=on}}||{{KAZ}} || 2<ref name="kaz2" />|| 1<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-12-06 |title=Airbus delivers first A400M for Kazakhstan |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/defence/airbus-delivers-first-a400m-for-kazakhstan |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=Janes |language=en}}</ref>|| December 2024<ref name=":1" />||
|-
| {{dts|8 December 2005|format=dmy|abbr=on}}||{{MYS}} || 4 || 4<ref name="ordel" /> || March 2015<ref name="fgMalf">{{Cite web |date=9 March 2017 |title=Fourth and Final A400M Delivered to Malaysia |url=http://airheadsfly.com/2017/03/09/fourth-and-final-a400m-delivered-to-malaysia/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170310144440/http://airheadsfly.com/2017/03/09/fourth-and-final-a400m-delivered-to-malaysia/ |archive-date=10 March 2017 |website=Airheads Fly}}</ref> || First non-NATO country to purchase the A400M. Final A400M delivered in March 2017.<ref name=fgMalf/>
|-
! Total !! !! 178<ref name="ordel" /> !! 130<ref name="ordel" /> !! !!
|}

==Accidents==
An A400M crashed on 9 May 2015, when aircraft MSN23, on its first test flight [[2015 Seville Airbus A400M crash|crashed shortly after take-off]] from [[San Pablo Airport]] in Seville, Spain, killing four Spanish Airbus crew and seriously injuring two others. Once airborne, the crew contacted air traffic controllers just before the crash about a technical failure,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Alexander |first=Harriet |date=9 May 2015 |title=Video: Military plane crashes during test flight near Seville |work=Telegraph |location=London |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/spain/11594603/Military-plane-crashes-during-test-flight-near-Seville.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624032908/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/spain/11594603/Military-plane-crashes-during-test-flight-near-Seville.html |archive-date=24 June 2018}}</ref> before colliding with an electricity pylon while attempting an emergency landing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Teresa López Pavón |date=9 May 2015 |title=Cuatro muertos tras estrellarse un avión militar A-400M en pruebas junto al aeropuerto de Sevilla |url=http://www.elmundo.es/andalucia/2015/05/09/554df2d6ca4741bd328b456e.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509200737/http://www.elmundo.es/andalucia/2015/05/09/554df2d6ca4741bd328b456e.html |archive-date=9 May 2015 |website=ELMUNDO |language=es}}</ref> The crash was attributed to the [[FADEC]] system being unable to read engine sensors properly due to an accidental file-wipe, resulting in three of its four engines remaining in "idle" mode during takeoff.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Fatal A400M crash linked to data-wipe mistake |work=BBC News |date=10 June 2015 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-33078767 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610200925/http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-33078767 |archive-date=10 June 2015 |access-date=10 June 2015 }}</ref>

==Specifications==
[[File:Airbus A400M silhouettes.png|thumb|Airbus A400M silhouettes]]
[[File:Map with distance circles to paris.svg|thumb|The operational range of an A400M with {{Convert|20|t|lb|adj=on}} and {{Convert|30|t|lb|adj=on}} payloads, flown from Paris, France]]

{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Airbus Defence & Space specifications<ref name="A400M_specs_main">{{Cite web |last=[[Airbus]] |date=15 May 2020 |title=A400M Specifications |url=http://militaryaircraft-airbusds.com/Aircraft/A400M/A400MSpec.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018162055/http://militaryaircraft-airbusds.com/Aircraft/A400M/A400MSpec.aspx |archive-date=18 October 2015 |access-date=13 May 2020 |website=Airbus Defence & Space}}</ref><ref name="A400M_webpage">{{Cite web |title=A400M Delivery to the point of need |url=https://www.airbus.com/defence/a400m.html |access-date=31 May 2020 |website=Airbus}}</ref>
|prime units?=met
<!--    General characteristics
-->
|genhide=
|crew=3 or 4 (2 pilots, 3rd optional, 1 [[loadmaster]])
|capacity= 37,000&nbsp;kg (81,600 lb)
**116 fully equipped troops / paratroopers<ref name=A400M_webpage/>
**up to 66 stretchers accompanied by 25 medical personnel<ref name=A400M_webpage/>
**cargo compartment: width {{Convert|4.00|m|ft|adj=on|abbr=on}} x height {{Convert|3.85|m|ft|adj=on|abbr=on}} x length {{Convert|17.71|m|ft|adj=on|abbr=on}} (without ramp {{Convert|5.40|m|ft|adj=on|abbr=on}})<ref name=A400M_webpage/>
|length m=45.1
|length ft=
|length in=
|length note=
|wing loading lb/sqft=130.4<ref name="aviationweek1" />
|span m=42.4
|span ft=
|span in=
|span note=
|height m=14.7
|height ft=
|height in=
|height note=
|wing area sqm=225.1
|wing area sqft=2384
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=
|empty weight kg=78600<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/luftsysteme-bundeswehr/airbus-a400m|title=Das Transportflugzeug Airbus A400M|access-date=11 January 2022|publisher=[[German Air Force]]}}</ref>
|empty weight lb=
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=141000
|max takeoff weight lb=
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity= 50,500&nbsp;kg (111,300 lb) internal fuel
|more general=
*'''Max landing weight:''' {{convert|123,000|kg|abbr=on}}
<!--    Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=4
|eng1 name=[[Europrop TP400|Europrop TP400-D6]]
|eng1 type=turboprop
|eng1 kw= 8200
|eng1 hp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 shp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 note=
|power original=
|thrust original=
|more power=
|prop blade number=8
|prop name=[[Ratier|Ratier-Figeac]] variable pitch propellers with [[Propeller (aeronautics)#Feathering|feathering]] and reversing capability<ref group=nb>FH385 anticlockwise on engines 2 and 4, FH386 clockwise on engines 1 and 3)</ref><ref name=typecert />
|prop dia m=5.3
|prop dia ft=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia in=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop note=
<!--    Performance
-->
|perfhide=
|max speed kmh=
|max speed mph=
|max speed kts=
|max speed note=
|max speed mach=0.72
|cruise speed kmh=781
|cruise speed mph=485
|cruise speed kts=422
|cruise speed note= at 9,450 m (31,000 ft)<ref name="aviationweek1" />
*'''Initial cruise altitude:''' 9,000 m (29,000 ft) at [[Maximum Take-Off Weight|MTOW]]
|range km=3300
|range miles=
|range nmi=
|range note=at max payload<ref group=nb>long range cruise speed; reserves as per MIL-C-5011A)</ref>
**'''Range with 30-tonne payload:''' 4,500&nbsp;km (2,450 nmi)
**'''Range with 20-tonne payload:''' 6,400&nbsp;km (3,450 nmi)
|ferry range km=8700
|ferry range miles=
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=12200
|ceiling ft=
|ceiling note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=
|thrust/weight=
|more performance=*'''Tactical takeoff distance:''' 980 m (3,215 ft)<ref name=tactical group=nb>aircraft weight {{convert|100|tonnes}}, soft field, [[International Standard Atmosphere|ISA]], sea level</ref>
*'''Tactical landing distance:''' {{cvt|770|m}}<ref name=tactical group=nb />
*'''Turning radius (ground):''' 28.6 m
|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|see also=<!-- other related articles that have not already linked: -->
|related=<!-- designs which were developed into or from this aircraft: -->
|similar aircraft=<!-- aircraft that are of similar Role, Era, and Capability as this design -->
* {{annotated link|Antonov An-70}}
* {{annotated link|Embraer C-390 Millennium}}
* {{annotated link|Ilyushin Il-76}}
* {{annotated link|Kawasaki C-2}}
* {{annotated link|Xi'an Y-20}}
* {{annotated link|Lockheed C-130 Hercules}}
** {{annotated link|Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules}}
<!-- See [[WP:Air/PC]] for more explanation of these fields. -->
}}

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=nb}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|name= Airbus' official website}}
* [https://www.occar.int/programmes/a400m OCCAR A400M website]
* [https://www.aerosociety.com/news/atlas-shoulders-the-load/ Atlas shoulders the load] [[Operation Ruman]], the operational debut of the RAF A400M Atlas in a major humanitarian airlift ([[Royal Aeronautical Society]], January 2018)

{{Airbus aircraft}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2000s international military transport aircraft]]
[[Category:Airbus Defence and Space aircraft|A400M]]
[[Category:Four-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:High-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:T-tail aircraft]]
[[Category:Four-engined turboprop aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 2009]]