Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the A400M Atlas transport aircraft at RAF Brize Norton, this multi-role military transport aircraft has redefined strategic and tactical airlift worldwide.
Ever since the initial aircraft of the 22-strong fleet arrived at the Oxfordshire station on 17th November 2014, Atlas has consistently showcased its capabilities across various operations. It has emerged as a crucial resource for armed forces worldwide, showcasing its performance, flexibility, and durability in both military and humanitarian missions.
Atlas has performed exceptionally well in providing relief efforts in the Caribbean and supporting the military's response to COVID-19 by transporting patients, equipment, and vaccines. The organization has been instrumental in evacuating individuals from Afghanistan and Sudan, and most recently, it carried out airdrop deliveries of supplies in Gaza.
RAF Brize Norton hosts four squadrons that operate an Atlas aircraft, which is stationed in the Falkland Islands for Maritime Reconnaissance, Search and Rescue, and medical evacuation missions in the South Atlantic region. The Atlas aircraft is equipped with air-to-air refuelling capabilities, allowing it to conduct airdrop missions in Antarctica.
Last year an RAF Atlas also carried out the longest-ever flight of the type flying non-stop for 22 hours from RAF Brize Norton to Guam in the Pacific.
"The Atlas has consistently demonstrated superior strategic capabilities and versatility for the many challenging missions faced by the RAF. Its range, altitude, speed, payload and tactical performance have proven invaluable in humanitarian missions over the past 10 years, including the Caribbean, Afghanistan, Sudan, Middle-East, not to mention protecting Europe’s Eastern flank and life-saving rescue missions in the South Atlantic." Said Group Captain Andrew McIntyre the Commander Air Wing, RAF Brize Norton.
Up to now, the A400 programme has invested approximately £1.36bn in UK suppliers. Filton (Bristol) where all aircraft wings are manufactured, and the 150th set of wings was recently completed and delivered.
Michelle Ostergaard DE&S A400M Team Lead and Head of Programme Delivery commented "The A400M has been an excellent demonstration of multinational collaboration, with DE&S working in partnership with the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) and five other nations for the success of this European procurement project. Throughout the last 10 years, DE&S has provided support for the aircraft’s global operations and we continue to work closely with OCCAR, nations and industry to procure equipment for, and support services to, the A400M fleet."
With the ability to transport 37 tonnes of cargo over extended distances, access remote and challenging areas, and take off from short, unpaved airstrips, the Atlas is a four-engine turboprop aircraft that has become crucial for various operations in different environments. The A400M has accumulated more than 200,000 flight hours, demonstrating its reliability and essential role in a wide range of missions, including combat support and disaster relief efforts.
"What the hugely advanced Atlas offers the RAF is truly remarkable, and notably enables us to fill the first responder role that the UK government asks of us. The achievements of this remarkable aircraft over the past decade are extensive and would not have been possible without the whole force team of regular and reservist RAF personnel, civil servants, and industry partners. I have every confidence the Atlas will continue to go from strength to strength." Noted Air Chief Marshal Rich Knighton, RAF Chief of the Air Staff
Atlas has advanced avionics, fly-by-wire controls, and a fully digital cockpit, allowing for efficient operations, precision navigation, and reduced pilot workload. It has exceptional short-field performance enabling it to operate from short un-prepared as well as semi-prepared strips, all achievable whilst utilising night vision goggles.
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