The A400M at the 2013 Paris Air Show.
The A400M's composite parts include most of the wing (with composite main spars), nearly the entire tail (the horizontal and vertical stabilisers and the control surfaces), the rear cargo door, the sponsons (undercarriage bays) and the propeller blades (with Kevlar shell).
The wing’s 19 m (62 ft) skin panels are the largest ever produced, according to Airbus.
The extensive use of composite materials enables the A400M to be much lower in weight, enabling enhanced performance both in terms of range and payload.
10 years of development
The delivery to the French Air Force represents the culmination of 10 years of development by Airbus Military and more than 5000 flight-test hours, involving close to 40,000 people working for this major European defence programme.
This first aircraft delivered to France will initially be used for the continuing training of aircrew before becoming part of the French Air Force operational transport fleet.
The A400M can carry up to 116 fully-equipped paratroopers or 37 tonnes of payload, and can also serve as an air-to-air refueller capable of refuelling fast jets, other large aircraft and helicopters.
