The story
The Airbus A400M Atlas is Europe's answer to moving armies: 37 tonnes of cargo or 116 paratroopers, delivered onto dirt strips if needed. Its four turboprops spin eight-blade propellers in counter-rotating pairs — a configuration you can hear before you see. Germany, France, and the UK fly the biggest fleets.
The A400M's TP400 engines are the most powerful turboprops ever fitted to a Western production aircraft — over 11,000 horsepower each.
Quick answers
How do you identify a A400M Atlas?
High wing, T-tail, four huge scimitar propellers. Note the prop blur: the pairs on each wing spin toward each other. Military grey, usually European roundels.
What does a A400M Atlas sound like?
A deep, syncopated turboprop growl — eight-blade props in counter-rotating pairs make a sound nothing else makes.
How fast is the A400M Atlas?
Top speed is Mach 0.72.
How many passengers does the A400M Atlas carry?
Up to 116. A typical layout is 3-4 crew + 116 paratroopers.
How far can the A400M Atlas fly?
Range is about 1,780 nmi at max payload.
How big is the A400M Atlas?
It is 148 ft 0 in long and 139 ft 1 in across the wings.
When did the A400M Atlas first fly?
Its first flight was in 2009.
How many A400M Atlass have been built?
130+ built.
How rare is a A400M Atlas in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first A400M Atlas catch is worth 250 points.
