PARIS, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- The procurement agency for France's military services has announced receipt of a second production A400M Atlas transport aircraft from Airbus Military of Spain.
The long-range aircraft was delivered Wednesday and will enter operation at Orleans-Bricy air base next week, the Direction Générale de l'Armement said,
The A400M is a four-engine turboprop tactical airlifter with strategic capabilities. It has a cruise speed of 485 miles per hour, a service ceiling of more than 37,000 feet and a tactical takeoff distance of 3,150 feet. Its range is 2,450 nautical miles while carrying more than 33 tons of cargo and 3,450 nautical miles while carrying a 22-ton payload.
The aircraft can also be used for aerial refueling as well as for troop transport and medical evacuation missions.
Nine countries, including France, have so far ordered the aircraft from Airbus Military. They are Germany, Spain, Britain, Turkey, Belgium, Luxembourg, South Africa and Malaysia.
