Airbus A400M - Atlas C1

This. The Hercules legacy is far stronger than any additional performance brought by A400M. Plus C-17 and C-5, adding a fourth large transport to the U.S military fleet would be overkill and wasteful. Lockheed lobbyists would also hit the roof.
 
EwenS said:
The RAF has proved the Atlas's rough field ability. Initial RAF trials were back in 2018 IIRC with Airbus themselves carrying out beach and rough grass field tests prior to that. Back in 2023 there was as well publicised RAF training session on Pembrey Beach in South Wales.

https://raf.mod.uk/news/articles/a400m-beach-landing/
View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EM-xtRyZZI4
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Airbus rough field trials at Woodbridge back in 2016

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr9PNiQLfbY
 
Archibald said:
C-130J
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Unlike it's older siblings the J variant's short / rough field performance is actually pretty poor, a problem that has been continuously kicked down the road for a long time I believe.

BlackBat242 said:
And don't tell me the KC-130 is not "able to refuel at med to low alt and can land on dirt strip".
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The older ones certainly. The KC-130J is another matter I fear.
 
Well, the object of the proposal is to have a faster tanker with bigger wet bags.
I have never intended to doubt about the KC-130 excelling there*. Just that KC-Z being dead, a mission involving large offloads of fuel closer to IADS, a bigger, faster aircraft than the KC-130 but with comparable vaunted dirt strip landing might offer an increase in Tactical capability, pushing the balance closer to what KC-Z could have offered.
How many KC-130 do you need to refuel a B-21 500nm from China coastline? How many Hercules to support identically a flight of NGAD?

There is not so many things you can realistically do with a spoon when it comes to vase transfer.

* For example, French Special Force just got their helo refueled by an A400 for the first time last month, relying on KC-130J until now.
 
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image002_1.jpg


It's a very draggy way of modifying this aircraft, positioning huge bulky antennas right were the airflow is pressure recovering...
Why not move those in the front like all other similar conversions are done?!!!

Sometimes, you really have to wonder where do Airbus Military fish their engineers.
 
TomcatViP said:
It's a very draggy way of modifying this aircraft, positioning huge bulky antennas right were the airflow is pressure recovering...
Why not move those in the front like all other similar conversions are done?!!!

Sometimes, you really have to wonder where do Airbus Military fish their engineers.
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Interference from the propellers ?

cheers,
Robin.
 
TomcatViP said:
It's a very draggy way of modifying this aircraft, positioning huge bulky antennas right were the airflow is pressure recovering...
Why not move those in the front like all other similar conversions are done?!!!
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Field of view? That aft position gives them the biggest field of view not masked by wing or engines.
 
When you think they didn't have one until now while still being used out of Kabul...
 
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I am quite surprised at the Indonesian choice for their A-400 Scott Kenny, I would have thought that Indonesia being mostly a jungle environment they would have gone for a green/brown scheme instead at least something different than the boring grey.
 
FighterJock said:
I am quite surprised at the Indonesian choice for their A-400 Scott Kenny, I would have thought that Indonesia being mostly a jungle environment they would have gone for a green/brown scheme instead at least something different than the boring grey.
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Camouflage as you propose would only be a factor if:
  1. Relying on visual means for acquisition
  2. If flying low over jungle
  3. If parked on grass or similar
More likely, any would not be detected just visually and even ion they were would also be against sky. Thus grey makes sense. Besides, who says it is boring...;)
 
I dont think I've ever seen a production model A400M with anything other than the dark grey with black radome scheme.
Kazakhstan was slightly different, as they went for a glossy finish
 
https://aviationweek.com/defense/ai...-backing-france-spain-secure-a400m-production(Article currently free)
LE BOURGET—France and Spain have committed to accelerate purchases of formerly delayed Airbus A400M orders in a bid to underpin the long-term production outlook for the military transport.

France will speed up acquisition for four of the aircraft, while Spain will take three of them earlier than had been planned, Airbus said in a June 17 statement. Airbus for months has warned the program may be at risk of closing in several years if the company cannot secure additional orders given the aircraft's dwindling backlog. At the end of May, Airbus had delivered 131 of the 178 A400Ms ordered to date.

[snip]
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I'm reposting some things i already posted on a french forum, it's lazy but i figured it might interest some you
Feel free to correct me if i made a mistake or forgot something !
This is somewhat speculative and made without insider sources but only publicly avaible ones.

It's hard to know exactly how France and spain will spread out their respectively 12 and 6 A400M over 2026-28.

→ 7 aircraft in 2025
  • 5 Germany (49th–53rd or A4M143/144/145/146/147)
  • 1 France (25th or A4M142)
  • 1 Indonesia (1st or A4M148)
→ 7 aircraft in 2026
  • 1 Indonesia in January 2026 (2nd or A4M150)
  • 1 Kazakhstan (2nd)
  • 2 France (26th-27th)
  • 3 Spain (15th-17th)
→ 17 aircraft left for 2027+
  • 14 France (28th–41st)
  • 3 Spain (18th–20th)

My sources :

Spain will have a fleet of 20 A400M by the end of 2028, including 3 delivered in 2028, and therefore 3 delivered during 2026–2027 → https://www.defense.gouv.fr/dga/act...-qui-assure-production-da400m-jusqua-fin-2028
France welcomes the signing of the letter of intent defining the conditions for maintaining the A400M Atlas production line, and Spain’s decision to bring forward the delivery of three aircraft in 2028 (bringing the Spanish fleet to 20 aircraft in 2028, out of 27 planned in total by the end of 2030), thus contributing to this objective. This extension also aims to support the success of the aircraft’s export sales.
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25th French aircraft in 2025 → https://www.defense.gouv.fr/dga/act...-qui-assure-production-da400m-jusqua-fin-2028
The number of aircraft already delivered to France is currently 24, out of a total order of 50 aircraft. The 25th is scheduled to be delivered at the end of 2025.
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France now targets 37 A400M in 2028 → https://www.forcesoperations.com/au-moins-37-a400m-livres-aux-armees-francaises-dici-fin-2028/
The French Air and Space Force’s A400M transport aircraft target has indeed been raised. From 35 by 2030, it now increases to “at least 37 aircraft” by the end of 2028, according to a document from the 2024 Results Management Bill (PLRG).
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France now Targets 41 A400M in 2029 --> https://www.opex360.com/2025/10/19/...-commander-quatre-avions-a400m-atlas-de-plus/
"The LPM 2024-2030 provides for a fleet of at least 35 aircraft in 2030. The Global Deal A400M has raised the target to at least 37 aircraft to be delivered by the end of 2028. Following the signing of the 2025 letter of intent at the Bourget show, the target was set at 41 aircraft by 2029, "reads this document.
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Last French A400M (50th) delivered in 2032 → https://www.budget.gouv.fr/document...-relatif-aux-resultats/budget-general/defense
Delivery of the last French aircraft: 2032 (new contractual delivery date for the last French aircraft following Contract Amendment 288 signed in October 2024 under the Global Deal A400M).
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For Kazakhstan, the 2nd will be delivered in 2026 → https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2024-12-airbus-delivers-first-a400m-for-kazakhstan
“A second A400M, currently in production, will further strengthen these capabilities on its delivery in 2026.”
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For Indonesia, deliveries in 2025 and 2026 and “confirmation of the Loi option of 4 A400M”


Some info from the Airbus CFO (June 2025)
→ https://www.boersen-zeitung.de/unte...raumfahrtsektor-in-europa-ist-zu-zersplittert
What about the A400M military transport aircraft?
It has long been a financial sinkhole. But in 2025, for the first time, it will be cash-neutral.

Starting in 2026, it will contribute positively. The heavy burdens are behind us, which already satisfies us.
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Even without new export customers?
We are working on new contracts and have several leads. We are also pleased that France and Spain have brought forward some deliveries, which stabilizes our order book.

However, it will be necessary to secure enough orders after 2029 to maintain a rate of eight aircraft per year.

The signals are positive: European countries recognize the strategic value of the A400M.
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Now for me, only 27 aircraft are ordered and planned for delivery over the years 2025-2028 (4 years), wich equates to ~6.75/y...
5 German / 13 French / 6 Spanish / 1 Kazakh / 2 Indonesian

Maybe they are counting on the 4 Indonesian options? Delivered over 2 years, that would secure the rate of 8.
Alternatively, they are maybe confident about a small sale in the coming months ?


I posted my spread sheet in the attached files, sorry the names are in french but country names are pretty easy to guess ;)
The blue i'm fairly confident in, the red much less... but again this is speculative.

I'm hoping the production line stays running until at least 2035, what a waste it would be otherwise...
 

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Beach landing by a german A400M in Denmark
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ot6qBmqsEeI

Could be a good asset for Denmark, either as a replacement or in addition to their 4 C-130J (fleet is ~21 years old), particularly given the country’s commitment to strengthening its military presence in Greenland.
Earlier this year, France conducted an extensive cold-environment testing campaign, which included deployments to Canada and Greenland
https://www.defense.gouv.fr/air/actualites/experimentation-la400m-lepreuve-du-froid
 
On the french cold-environment test campain conducted earlier this year

--> http://aa-ceam.fr/PDF/LINKDIN-CEAM/2025/mars/Nouvelle étape pour A400M.pdf

New Milestone for the EM ATT: Start of Experiments in the Polar Arc
Air and Space Force – Military Air Expertise Center
March 6, 2025
By B. Hennequin

On March 3, 2025, the crew of the A400M Atlas from the Tactical Transport Aircraft Test Team (EM ATT) of the CEAM began a new phase of experiments in the extreme conditions of the polar arc. This mission follows a previous campaign carried out in January 2025 in Canada.

The atmosphere on board is both intense and filled with satisfaction.
After a stopover in Denmark to load cargo, the A400M headed to Keflavik in Iceland before moving on to Arctic bases. Alongside EM ATT are members of the 25th Air Engineer Regiment (RGA), specialists from the DGA, mechanics from the 61st Wing, experts from Airbus, and Danish military personnel. All are working closely together to ensure the success of this large-scale mission, preparing the Air and Space Force for operations in extremely cold environments.

Our objective: to validate the A400M’s performance on rough, snow-covered, and frozen runways while ensuring the resupply of these isolated bases.


The first experiments took place in extreme conditions. On Tuesday, March 4, the A400M had to face a snowstorm to land on the runway.
Despite a temperature of –16°C and nearly zero visibility, the cargo was successfully delivered, thanks to the rigor and dedication of all teams.

This approach was one of the most difficult due to the poor visibility and the lack of contrast between the runway and the white surroundings.


The following day, with milder weather conditions, the crew was able to carry out several landings. These tests helped verify that the infrastructures are compatible with regular A400M operations, thus strengthening cooperation with the forces stationed on site.

Flying in at low altitude, between the frozen sea and the mountains, is something I will never forget. The contrast between the scenery and the vast icy expanse was striking.


The aircrew and engineers from the 25th RGA exchanged with the military personnel stationed there, building strong bonds in this polar testing environment. This Arctic campaign marks another success for the CEAM test team, the 25th RGA, and their partners. The results highlight the Air and Space Force’s ability to operate under extreme conditions and prepare its forces for future missions despite hostile weather.

The experimentation is far from over, but it already promises to provide valuable lessons for the teams involved. To be continued in the coming days!

—
B. Hennequin
Lt. Col. DNO
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Artic conditions should be more understood as being around - 40C. That's more representative of the challenges operating up there. Scandinavian Airlines (often registered in Iceland) routinely operate in those conditions, including safely flying Airbus non-military products... Same for Argentinian and Chilean ones operating down south at the tip of the American continent. It would be the same for Canada.
And, although not an Airbus Military client for the foreseeable future, let's not forgot Russia that operates massively military cargo airlifer in such conditions.

What I am saying is that, it's not because an assembly of people from Toulouse, Paris or Seville sneezes or gets the shiver that we have yet reached any temperature extrema for their customers ;)

ArticDaily.jpg

Artic morning*... Yes, there is a car parked there ready to start (She has hot air injection, adapted fluids, turbo spooling special sequencing and other refinements... All tailored within the factory while built by million to make your daily commuting trouble free).

Screenshot 2025-09-19 141236_Mod.png
 
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According to french media, Mexico could order 2x A400M
https://www.latribune.fr/article/en...ransport-militaire-a400m-interesse-le-mexique
Where we talk again about Mexico for the A400M. Mexico would be interested in the acquisition of two aircraft manufactured by Airbus, according to our information. At the end of the last decade, Mexico was one of the countries regularly cited for the purchase of A400M. A sale that never materialized. It seems that this prospect is once again in the crosshairs of Airbus Defence and Space's sales teams, which absolutely must sell this aircraft for export to power the Seville assembly line in need of visibility.

In the absence of new orders, the European manufacturer will be forced to close the assembly line at the end of 2028. "We need to maintain a production rate in Seville of eight aircraft per year for the industrial system of the A400M to hold up," explained last May the head of the Military Aircraft division of Airbus Defence and Space, Jean-Brice Dumont, in an interview with La Tribune. At the end of June, the aircraft manufacturer contractually still had 47 aircraft to deliver out of the 178 ordered.

Several countries such as Poland, the United Arab Emirates or Saudi Arabia, have expressed an interest in acquiring A400M but negotiations are dragging on.
Among the member states of the program, Great Britain and Turkey could buy additional aircrafts.

According to Jean-Brice Dumont, Airbus could "reasonably sell an additional 30 aircraft. This is a weighted average with success rates in a much larger market. With 30 additional aircraft, the life of the assembly line is extended by four years."
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Air & Cosmos reports that France may order at least 4 additional A400M aircraft under the current military programming law, which extends until 2030.
This would raise the total fleet to 41 units ... still short of the 50 originally promised, but we're getting there slowly.
https://air-cosmos.com/article/l-ar...au-moins-dans-l-actualisation-de-la-lpm-70502
It had already been able to grab 2 additional aircraft thanks to a proactive action by Sébastien Lecornu, Minister of the Armed Forces, bringing the target in programming from 35 to 37.
The new update of the LPM, announced by Emmanuel Macron on July 13, could therefore finance four more copies (i.e. a target now at 41 in programming law, out of a target of 50 at the beginning of the program...).
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And the AdA would lose its C-130H. The old ones from the 1980's, it was found that not all the Hercs aged the same, making a common upgrade much more costly (think of the Nimrod MR.4A difficulties).
 
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