MADRID, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- Airbus Military in Spain has begun the final assembly of the first A400M airlifter for the French air force.
Work on the aircraft's center box and wings is under way. Assembly of the horizontal tailplane and vertical tailplane will start in a few weeks, Airbus Military said.
The airlifter is a long-range, multipurpose platform that can carry as much as 45 tons of cargo and more than 100 fully equipped troops.
The French air force is expected to receive its first A400M at the end of 2012 or early 2013. Among the countries that have ordered the aircraft are Germany, Spain, Britain, Turkey, Belgium and Malaysia.
Airbus Military says eight serial A400M aircraft are at different stages of production at its final assembly line for the aircraft in Seville, Spain.
Airbus Military touts the aircraft as capable of flying higher, faster and farther than competitor aircraft, while maintaining maneuverability.
