A400M charateristics

Length: 41.80m Wing span: 42.40m Maximum range: 9,200km Maximum speed: Mach 0.72 Maximum payload: 32,000kg

It is intended to recreate Europe's success in the commercial aircraft sector in the military transport field.

The project brings together British Aerospace, CASA, Aerospatiale, Airbus, Alenia, DASA, Flabel and TAI under the management of Airbus Military.

All weather capability

Airbus Military says it will be capable of operating in any type of climate and weather conditions, providing an in-flight refuelling capability. It will also be equipped for rapid conversion into an air tanker.

In terms of design, the A400M has a classic high wing configuration, fuselage with ramp and large rear door, high flotation retractable landing gear and "T" tail.

Its four turboprops provide it with a cruise speed of 0.72 mach at altitudes of up to 40,000 feet and the plane has excellent low speed handling characteristics needed for paratroopers and load dropping.

The manufacturers say it will be able to land on short, unpaved runways or soft grass fields.

It will be able to carry military payloads non-stop from Europe to military, commercial, or remote airfields in central Africa or the Middle East.

The A400M fuselage has been designed with a spacious cabin, making it suitable for the transport of bulky cargo like helicopters, heavy vehicles, missile batteries and light vehicles placed side by side.