[Article déjà publié le 11 juillet 2024]
On July 10, 2024, a press release from the Ministry of the Armed Forces indicated that the base 123 of Orleans-Bricy, the air force and the space had received the 24th model of a particular plane: the A400M Atlas .
The opportunity therefore to look at the impressive characteristics of this heaven giant which is one of the largest aircraft in the French army.
The A400M Atlas technical sheet
Designed by Airbus Defense and Space (ADS), the military colossus entered service in 2013 and has not stopped being used by the French armed forces since.
On the tarmac or in the air, the specialized plane to transport people or equipment impresses:
- 42.4 meters wide
- 45.1 meters long
- 14.7 meters high
- 141 tonnes at takeoff
- Capable of embed up up to 35 tonnes of payload
In order to realize what this represents, the Ministry of the Armed Forces, in the technical sheet of the A400M Atlas, specifies that it can therefore transport:
- “” “2 Tiger attack helicopters
- or 1 Caesar artillery truck
- or 2 armored front vehicles (VAB) with mortar, troops and their equipment
- or 9 pallets (NATO standard) [ndr, à vide ces palettes pèsent chacune entre 130 et 161 kg et ont une capacité unitaire de 463 L]
- or 116 paratroopers»
Hence his nickname atlas which means “the carrier” in ancient Greek and which refers to the Titan, beaten by Zeus, condemned to carry the celestial vault on his shoulders.
And to transport all this, the A400M Atlas has 4 motors with a power of 11,600 horsepower each, it can take up to 50 tonnes of fuel. And in flight, its cruising speed is between Mach 0.68 and Mach 0.72.
A versatile plane
We saw it with its technical sheet, the A400M Atlas can transport different equipment, equipment and people. But in detail, the possible number of its missions is large.
The Ministry of the Armed Forces has informed twelve, ranging from the simple transport of staff in the field, including research and rescue or dropping missions of equipment and/or personnel until supplies, in flight, of helicopters, fighter planes or transport aircraft.
An aircraft which is therefore comfortable on all terrains where the French army can intervene.
In addition, it also has a large radius of action and can quickly intervene, even on distant operations land to assist, rescue or supply the troops or civilians on site.
Other air force planes and space
The French air and space army is one of the most sophisticated in the world. If in its ranks, it obviously counts the A400M Atlas or the Rafale, it has a whole fleet of aircraft with various and varied utility.
Here they are:
- The Airbus A330 Phoenix notably specialized in the flight supply of fighter aircraft, also used for the transport of personnel (up to 272 max)
- AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System or airborne alert and control system) is an airplane devoted to surveillance and communication
- The Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules is a plane specializing in tactical transport or in the assault
- The Mirage 2000 D, a two -seater fighter plane specializing in combat which can reach a speed of Mach 1.4
- The Pilatus PC-21, this is the investigation plane for air and space hunting pilots
- The Rafale F4.1, a two -seater fighter plane specializing in combat which can reach a speed of Mach 1.8
And this is only a question of the fleet of the air force and space. Of course, other flying or non -game devices come into play on the various operating courts of the French army.
Source: Ministry of Armies
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
