Which is bigger, C-17 or A400M?
The C-17 can carry a maximum payload of 77 tons, has a cargo hold volume of 591 cubic meters, and has a ferry range of over 6,400 nautical miles. In contrast, the A400M can carry a maximum of 37 tons, has a smaller cargo hold volume of 340 cubic meters, and has a shorter ferry range of 4,700 nautical miles. An A400M can carry 81,570 lbs of maximum payload while this is 47,399 lbs for C-130J/J-30. This made it necessary for Airbus to design and develop a new firefighting module capable of carrying larger amounts of water and retardant to meet the needs of air forces already operating A400Ms.With a maximum payload of up to 37tons (81,600lb) and a volume of 340m3 (12,000 ft3), the A400M can carry various pieces of outsized cargo including, vehicles and helicopters that are too large or too heavy for previous generation tactical airlifters, for example, an NH90 or a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, or two heavily .
Is there a civilian version of the A400M?
The first prototype A400M took to the air on 11 December 2009, heralding the start of a flight test programme that has now progressed to the point where production examples have entered service with air arms including the French, German, Malaysian and Turkish Air Force as well as the Royal Air Force. The A400M programme was launched in 2003, although the project was nearly cancelled in 2009 with Airbus citing an unrealistic delivery schedule, insufficient funding, impossible requirements, unrealistic workshare demands, and the need to have the aircraft certified by each of the individual national authorities.
Is A400M better than C-130?
The Airbus A400M provides substantial improvements to payload, range, internal volume and operational capacity over the Transall C-160 and Lockheed C-130 that it replaces or augments. It can carry up to 37 tonnes (41 short tons) over 2,000 nmi (3,700 km; 2,300 mi). The Airbus A400M is a next-generation multifunctional airlifter capable of executing both tactical and strategic missions. It can deliver troops and equipment to remote or unpaved airstrips and transport heavy cargo — including vehicles, excavators, and even armored tanks — with a payload capacity of up to 37 tons.While several types of military airlifters were used, the A400Ms showed their worth – being able to cross the Atlantic more quickly than the C-130 Hercules aircraft that also were sent to the region, while carrying a useful load.The retirement of the C-130 fleet was decided mainly to help consolidate the RAF cargo fleet. The RAF has grown its newer Airbus A400M Atlas and Boeing C-17 Globemaster aircraft fleet. The RAF generally views the A400M as a more capable aircraft to take forward.