British Royal Air Force RAF new military transport aircraft A400M named Atlas 0907121
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Air Force in the world - United Kingdom |
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British
Royal Air Force RAF new military transport aircraft A400M named Atlas.
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The
British Royal Air Force next generation military transport aircraft has
officially been named Atlas at the Royal International Air Tattoo, which
is taking place at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The aircraft, which
has until now been known as the A400M,
will replace the RAF's existing C-130 Hercules fleet and, along with the
Voyager and C-17, will provide the UK military's future air transport
force. |
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The UK is buying 22 of the aircraft from Airbus Military, and the first A400M Atlas is expected to be delivered to the RAF in 2014. Able to carry twice as much as the Hercules, Atlas can transport 32 tonnes of cargo over a range of 4,500km, providing unprecedented capability to support the UK Armed Forces. It
can move up to 116 paratroopers and large armoured vehicles such as Mastiffs
as well as vast amounts of humanitarian and disaster relief. The aircraft's
ability to land on semi-permanent runways and rough ground means Atlas
can fly its cargo into the centre of operations, supplying tactical forward
bases or evacuating casualties or refugees.
"The programme is a good example of how European partners can work together to deliver world-class military capability." |
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Chief
of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, said:
"A400M
Atlas is going to be a major capability for Defence and the
Royal Air Force is looking forward to Atlas joining our world-class fleet
of air mobility aircraft. "Atlas,
together with the C-17 Globemaster, C-130J Hercules and the new Voyager
aircraft now entering service with the RAF, will give us the ability to
rapidly move people and equipment around the globe for military and humanitarian
operations for decades ahead." |
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