Topic title: ICAO code
A400M
Aircraft Model (Name & Manufacturer)
Airbus A400M Atlas – European four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft built by Airbus Defence and Space (originally Airbus Military)
Aircraft Category
A / B / C / D / E / F
Purpose or Role in Game
Serves as a multi-role cargo transporter that bridges the gap between the C-130J and C-17. In-game, the A400M could operate at large airports or forward bases, hauling outsized cargo or troops to places the bigger C-17 or Antonovs can’t reach. It combines strategic range with tactical short-field capability – ideal for missions where a C-130 is too small and a C-17 is more than needed. The A400M can complement existing C-17s, delivering cargo almost anywhere (it even lands on short, unpaved runways where other heavy airlifters cannot). This means in gameplay it could connect major hubs to smaller airfields, expanding route options. It also has air-to-air refueling ability, potentially allowing extended-range missions without intermediate stops.
Why should this aircraft be added?
The A400M Atlas is a unique and significant airlifter – Europe’s largest defense project at €20 billion. Its addition would bring versatility and variety to the game. Being a modern turboprop heavy lifter, it introduces new gameplay dynamics: it’s slower than jet cargo planes but can use shorter runways and austere fields, adding depth to logistics strategy. It fills a niche between existing transports (it’s sized between the C-130 and C-17), offering a new challenge and experience for players. In reality, the A400M’s combination of range, payload, and tactical capability is unmatched – adding it would allow players to simulate missions like humanitarian relief drops, tactical troop deployments, or long-range strategic hauls with one aircraft. Its multi-national background and distinctive design (e.g. counter-rotating propellers, T-tail, modern glass cockpit) would also appeal to aviation enthusiasts and add the first large Western turboprop transport to the game’s fleet (complementing the jets and older props). Overall, the A400M would enrich gameplay by enabling realistic heavy airlift operations with a new flavor.
Airlines that use it
Used by many air forces around the world (primarily military operators, as it’s not a civilian airliner). Major operators include the original partner nations: France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom (RAF), Turkey, Belgium (plus one for Luxembourg, operated in a joint unit). Notably, Malaysia was the first export customer outside Europe. In recent years new operators have joined: e.g. Kazakhstan received its first A400M in 2024, and Indonesia has placed orders (with options) for aerial refueling-equipped A400Ms. (In-game, this means the A400M could come with multiple liveries: e.g. RAF “Atlas C.1”, French Air & Space Force, German Luftwaffe, Royal Malaysian Air Force, Turkish Air Force, etc., reflecting its widespread use.)
Special characteristics or variants
- Payload & Capacity: Carries up to 37 tonnes (81,600 lb) of cargo – e.g. heavy armored vehicles, helicopters (it can even carry a Chinook), or 116 fully equipped troops. It can also carry mixed loads (pallets + vehicles + personnel) and is equipped with a rear ramp for easy loading/unloading.
- Range & Speed: Range of ~3,300 km (1,800 nmi) with max payload (considerably farther with lighter loads – 20 tonnes to 3,400 nmi). Cruise speed ~780 km/h (Mach 0.72), so despite being a turboprop it flies nearly as fast as jet transports. It can cruise at high altitude (ceiling ~40,000 ft) or perform low-level flights.
- Short/ Rough Field Performance: Designed for tactical operations, the A400M needs relatively short runways for its size and can operate from unpaved or semi-prepared strips. It has robust landing gear and efficient turboprops (with reversible pitch) for landing on grass, sand, or gravel strips – places where a C-17 or other big jet might not manage. This gives it a unique ability to deliver heavy cargo directly to forward bases or disaster zones with limited infrastructure.
- Aerial Delivery & Paratroops: Equipped for airdrop missions – can deliver cargo by parachute or gravity extraction via the rear ramp, including large loads up to 25 tonnes dropped from the air. It can also drop paratroopers (up to 116 paratroops) from side doors or the ramp, enabling airborne operations.
- Air-to-Air Refueling: Refuelable in flight and also configurable as a tanker aircraft. With an optional refueling kit (hose-and-drogue pods and centerline unit), the A400M can carry 51 tonnes of fuel and refuel fighters, helicopters, or even other A400Ms in the air. This adds strategic flexibility (and was mentioned in the game context as a plane that “can refuel in the air”).
- Modern Technology: Uses advanced avionics and fly-by-wire controls. It has a Defensive Aids System and low radar signature features for hostile environments. The eight-blade propellers on its Europrop TP400 engines are set in counter-rotating pairs (the left and right engines spin opposite ways) which improves stability and reduces recoil torque – a unique feature among transports.
- Variants: The A400M Atlas is largely a single standardized model with multi-role adaptability. There aren’t multiple fuselage length variants like airliners, but it can be outfitted for different missions: pure transport, tanker/receiver, medical evacuation (with stretcher modules), etc.. All A400Ms have the same baseline design; differences are mainly in national equipment or minor upgrades. (The RAF designates it Atlas C.1, and some nations apply local naming, but it’s essentially one variant across all operators.)
Optional: Links or references
