On January 14, the 15th Wing Air Transport of Belgian Air Force received its sixth Airbus A400M. This A400M will be operated within a binational unit composed of a total of eight aircraft, seven from the Belgian Air Force and one from the Luxembourg Armed Forces.
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Arrival of Airbus A400M CT-06 at Melsbroek airbase (Picture source: Belgian Air Force)
The A400M Atlas is a European four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft that was designed by Airbus Military (now Airbus Defence and Space) as a tactical airlifter with strategic capabilities to replace older transport aircraft, such as the French Transall C-160 and the American Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules. Cargo capacity is expected to double over existing aircraft, both in payload and volume, and range is increased substantially as well. The cargo box is 17.71 m (58.1 ft) long excluding ramp, 4.00 m (13.12 ft) wide, and 3.85 m (12.6 ft) high (or 4.00 m (13.12 ft) aft of the wing).[The maximum payload of 37 metric tons (41 short tons) can be carried over 2,000 nmi (3,700 km; 2,300 mi).
The A400M can be operated in many configurations including cargo transport, troop transport, and medical evacuation. It is intended for use on short, soft landing strips and for long-range, cargo transport flights. The A400M is large enough to carry six land rovers and trailers, or two light armored vehicles, or a dump truck and excavator, or a Patriot missile system, or a Puma or Cougar helicopter, or a truck and 25-ton trailer.
On October 9, 2020, Air Recognition was present for the delivery of the first of the 8 Airbus A400M of this binational unit. See our exclusive video report here.
Arrival of Airbus A400M CT-06 at Melsbroek airbase (Picture source: Belgian Air Force)
