See inside the Airbus A400M Atlas military cargo plane made famous by Tom Cruise that reportedly cost more than $30 billion to produce

Thomas PalliniJan 22, 2022, 18:52 IST

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

One of Airbus' latest innovations isn't an airliner but a military troop and cargo transport plane.
The Airbus A400M Atlas can carry up to 37 tons of cargo and be used for transport, air-to-air refueling, and paratroop missions.

Airbus sells more than just commercial airliners, it also sells military transport aircraft.

An Airbus A400.A Periam Photography / Shutterstock.com

Commercial aircraft manufacturers have long engaged in lucrative endeavors in support of the defense industry, and Airbus is no different. While the public marvels at Airbus' latest passenger jets, the top brass of national militaries marvel at its war-ready troop transport, aerial refueling, and military cargo aircraft.

An Airbus A400 of the German Luftwaffe.SpaceKris/Shutterstock.com

Commercial aircraft manufacturers have long engaged in lucrative endeavors in support of the defense industry, and Airbus is no different. While the public marvels at Airbus' latest passenger jets, the top brass of national militaries marvel at its war-ready troop transport, aerial refueling, and military cargo aircraft.

Airbus launched the A400M Atlas program in 2003 with the goal of supplying countries of the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation. The first A400M was delivered to France in 2013 after 10 years of development and a four-year delay.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Source: Airbus and Financial Times

Airbus launched the A400M Atlas program in 2003 with the goal of supplying countries of the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation. The first A400M was delivered to France in 2013 after 10 years of development and a four-year delay.

Source: Airbus and Financial Times

Now, 11 countries have placed 176 orders for the aircraft. Nations that have orders with Airbus include Malaysia, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kazakhstan, and the UK.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Source: Airbus

Now, 11 countries have placed 176 orders for the aircraft. Nations that have orders with Airbus include Malaysia, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kazakhstan, and the UK.

The A400M is powered by turboprop engines and takes aim at the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. One of the most iconic planes in US military history, the C-130 has been in every US war since the Vietnam War.

A Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraftU.S. Air Force photo by Cynthia Griggs

The A400M is powered by turboprop engines and takes aim at the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. One of the most iconic planes in US military history, the C-130 has been in every US war since the Vietnam War.

Tom Cruise also famously latched onto the side of an Airbus A400 in the movie "Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation," in the aircraft's first appearance in a Hollywood blockbuster.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Tom Cruise also famously latched onto the side of an Airbus A400 in the movie "Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation," in the aircraft's first appearance in a Hollywood blockbuster.

The UK Royal Air Force brought one of its Airbus A400Ms to the Dubai Airshow in November. Here's what it's like.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

A truly European aircraft, assembling the A400M requires three European countries. The A400's wings are built in the UK, its fuselage is built in Germany, and assembly takes place in Spain.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Source: Airbus

A truly European aircraft, assembling the A400M requires three European countries. The A400's wings are built in the UK, its fuselage is built in Germany, and assembly takes place in Spain.

Airbus designed the A400M to be much like, well, an Airbus. The A400M boasts performance capabilities and qualities traditionally found in the commercial airliners that Airbus produces that places it a step ahead of older models like the C-130 Hercules.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Airbus designed the A400M to be much like, well, an Airbus. The A400M boasts performance capabilities and qualities traditionally found in the commercial airliners that Airbus produces that places it a step ahead of older models like the C-130 Hercules.

Four EuroProp International TP 400 turboprop engines power the A400M and enable a top speed of Mach 0.72 and a cruising altitude of 37,000 feet that can be extended up to 40,000 feet in special circumstances.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Source: Airbus

Four EuroProp International TP 400 turboprop engines power the A400M and enable a top speed of Mach 0.72 and a cruising altitude of 37,000 feet that can be extended up to 40,000 feet in special circumstances.

Distance is also a key feature of the A400M as its maximum range of 4,800 nautical miles gives the aircraft a truly intercontinental purview. Under the right conditions, flights between London and San Francisco; Paris and Seattle; and New York and Honolulu are possible.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Distance is also a key feature of the A400M as its maximum range of 4,800 nautical miles gives the aircraft a truly intercontinental purview. Under the right conditions, flights between London and San Francisco; Paris and Seattle; and New York and Honolulu are possible.

Though, the A400M can have an unlimited range thanks to its aerial refueling capabilities. Other fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters can even be refueled by the A400M.

An Airbus A400M being refueled.Airbus

Though, the A400M can have an unlimited range thanks to its aerial refueling capabilities. Other fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters can even be refueled by the A400M.

Put simply, the A400M "can fly further, higher, and faster" than the C-130, Ed Horne, a wing commander with the UK RAF that formerly flew the Hercules and now flies the Atlas, told Insider.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Put simply, the A400M "can fly further, higher, and faster" than the C-130, Ed Horne, a wing commander with the UK RAF that formerly flew the Hercules and now flies the Atlas, told Insider.

Around 160 passengers can fit in the cargo compartment of the A400M when fitted with extra rows of passengers seats down the center.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Built-in passengers can be found onboard the aircraft alongside its cabin walls.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

The seats, however, are quite basic with minimal cushioning, as is standard on military transport aircraft, and far from what can be found on Airbus' airliners.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

And while the maximum passenger count is around 160, the RAF flew as many as 203 passengers on one evacuation flight during the Afghanistan refugee airlift in August.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

And while the maximum passenger count is around 160, the RAF flew as many as 203 passengers on one evacuation flight during the Afghanistan refugee airlift in August.

Medical litters can be affixed in the cargo compartment to transport the injured and ill.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

As many as 66 stretchers can be loaded onto the aircraft with room for 25 medical support personnel.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Source: Airbus and Financial Times

Wartime operations may see the A400M conduct everything from military cargo flights to para trooping over enemy territory, tasks for which the aircraft is more than capable.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Wartime operations may see the A400M conduct everything from military cargo flights to para trooping over enemy territory, tasks for which the aircraft is more than capable.

The A400M’s cargo compartment can hold up to 37 tons, or 74,000 pounds, of cargo across 340 cubic meters of space.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Source: Airbus

Digital and autonomous systems on the aircraft help expedite the loading and offloading process while also reducing the workload of the loadmaster.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

There's room for seven pallets on the main deck and two additional pallets on the ramp. A Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter can even be transported on the aircraft if need be.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Source: Airbus

There's room for seven pallets on the main deck and two additional pallets on the ramp. A Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter can even be transported on the aircraft if need be.

Paratroop operations are a critical function of the A400M, especially when training for a wartime scenario.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Paratroopers that are jumping out of the A400M will typically do so via the two side doors at the rear of the aircraft. A static line parachute will typically be used that automatically deploys during the jump.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Paratroopers that are jumping out of the A400M will typically do so via the two side doors at the rear of the aircraft. A static line parachute will typically be used that automatically deploys during the jump.

And one feature of the A400M is that winches are available to retract each static line after the drop is complete.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

High-altitude paratroop operations, however, are conducted use the rear cargo door as a different type of parachute, known as freefall parachute, that's more conducive to jumping from the rear of the aircraft.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

High-altitude paratroop operations, however, are conducted use the rear cargo door as a different type of parachute, known as freefall parachute, that's more conducive to jumping from the rear of the aircraft.

Paratroopers making a high-altitude jump are usually also carrying equipment that can't fit through the side doors.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

As of November, however, the UK Royal Air Force was still breaking in the A400M and developing procedures for paratroop operations.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

The A400M's cockpit can be found above the cargo compartment, which Airbus says is to maximize the aircraft's available cargo space.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

One unique feature about the A400M is that its cockpit actually has the look of a traditional airline cockpit in many ways, as opposed to previous generations of American military aircraft.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

One unique feature about the A400M is that its cockpit actually has the look of a traditional airline cockpit in many ways, as opposed to previous generations of American military aircraft.

Pilots have large high-definition displays to feed them flight data and navigational information, just like on an airliner such as the Airbus A380 or Airbus A350 XWB.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Pilots have large high-definition displays to feed them flight data and navigational information, just like on an airliner such as the Airbus A380 or Airbus A350 XWB.

"Everything that is close to you is things that you will use every day," Horne said. "Everything is placed very nicely for the pilots."

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Embedded in the heads-up display is an enhanced vision system that lets pilots see through the clouds during periods of reduced visibility.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Airbus’ iconic sidestick is what pilots use to maneuver the A400M with fly-by-wire technology allowing for a smoother flight experience.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

And pilots can access navigational charts through their flight displays.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

A third seat allows for a third crewmember to assist the two pilots during high-intensity missions, including "package" flights when a group of aircraft fly together.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

A third seat allows for a third crewmember to assist the two pilots during high-intensity missions, including "package" flights when a group of aircraft fly together.

Pilots also have multiple ways of escaping the cockpit in case of an emergency, including through the cockpit windows or an emergency hatch above the cockpit.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

The loadmaster for the flight is tasked with ensuring the safety and integrity of the cargo and passengers onboard.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Digital and autonomous systems on the aircraft help expedite the loading and offloading process while also reducing the workload of the loadmaster.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Crew rest areas on the aircraft are quite meager but consist of bunks in the cockpit.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Flight crews on long-haul missions can retreat to the bunks to rest if the mission allows.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Lavatories on the aircraft are, however, very similar to those found on airliners.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

This A400M had separate lavatories for crew and passengers.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Another unique feature of the A400M is that the nose avionics bay can be accessed through the lavatory.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

The aircraft also has a galley area, similar to those found on an airliner.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

And the most important part of the A400M's galley, for some pilots, is the coffee maker.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Cost overruns, delivery delays, and capability issues first plagued the A400M during its development and the first few years of operations, as the Financial Times reported.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Source: Financial Times

Cost overruns, delivery delays, and capability issues first plagued the A400M during its development and the first few years of operations, as the Financial Times reported.

France received its first A400M four years later and the aircraft program cost Airbus more than 30 billion euros, according to Reuters.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

Source: Financial Times and Reuters

But the end result has been a highly capable aircraft that's slowly but surely proving itself to be a fitting alternative to the C-130.

An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.Thomas Pallini/Insider

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See inside the Airbus A400M Atlas military cargo plane made famous by Tom Cruise that reportedly cost more than $30 billion to produce

Airbus sells more than just commercial airliners, it also sells military transport aircraft.

Airbus launched the A400M Atlas program in 2003 with the goal of supplying countries of the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation. The first A400M was delivered to France in 2013 after 10 years of development and a four-year delay.

Now, 11 countries have placed 176 orders for the aircraft. Nations that have orders with Airbus include Malaysia, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kazakhstan, and the UK.

The A400M is powered by turboprop engines and takes aim at the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. One of the most iconic planes in US military history, the C-130 has been in every US war since the Vietnam War.

Tom Cruise also famously latched onto the side of an Airbus A400 in the movie "Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation," in the aircraft's first appearance in a Hollywood blockbuster.

The UK Royal Air Force brought one of its Airbus A400Ms to the Dubai Airshow in November. Here's what it's like.

A truly European aircraft, assembling the A400M requires three European countries. The A400's wings are built in the UK, its fuselage is built in Germany, and assembly takes place in Spain.

Airbus designed the A400M to be much like, well, an Airbus. The A400M boasts performance capabilities and qualities traditionally found in the commercial airliners that Airbus produces that places it a step ahead of older models like the C-130 Hercules.

Four EuroProp International TP 400 turboprop engines power the A400M and enable a top speed of Mach 0.72 and a cruising altitude of 37,000 feet that can be extended up to 40,000 feet in special circumstances.

Distance is also a key feature of the A400M as its maximum range of 4,800 nautical miles gives the aircraft a truly intercontinental purview. Under the right conditions, flights between London and San Francisco; Paris and Seattle; and New York and Honolulu are possible.

Though, the A400M can have an unlimited range thanks to its aerial refueling capabilities. Other fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters can even be refueled by the A400M.

Put simply, the A400M "can fly further, higher, and faster" than the C-130, Ed Horne, a wing commander with the UK RAF that formerly flew the Hercules and now flies the Atlas, told Insider.

Around 160 passengers can fit in the cargo compartment of the A400M when fitted with extra rows of passengers seats down the center.

Built-in passengers can be found onboard the aircraft alongside its cabin walls.

The seats, however, are quite basic with minimal cushioning, as is standard on military transport aircraft, and far from what can be found on Airbus' airliners.

And while the maximum passenger count is around 160, the RAF flew as many as 203 passengers on one evacuation flight during the Afghanistan refugee airlift in August.

Medical litters can be affixed in the cargo compartment to transport the injured and ill.

As many as 66 stretchers can be loaded onto the aircraft with room for 25 medical support personnel.

Wartime operations may see the A400M conduct everything from military cargo flights to para trooping over enemy territory, tasks for which the aircraft is more than capable.

The A400M’s cargo compartment can hold up to 37 tons, or 74,000 pounds, of cargo across 340 cubic meters of space.

Digital and autonomous systems on the aircraft help expedite the loading and offloading process while also reducing the workload of the loadmaster.

There's room for seven pallets on the main deck and two additional pallets on the ramp. A Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter can even be transported on the aircraft if need be.

Paratroop operations are a critical function of the A400M, especially when training for a wartime scenario.

Paratroopers that are jumping out of the A400M will typically do so via the two side doors at the rear of the aircraft. A static line parachute will typically be used that automatically deploys during the jump.

And one feature of the A400M is that winches are available to retract each static line after the drop is complete.

High-altitude paratroop operations, however, are conducted use the rear cargo door as a different type of parachute, known as freefall parachute, that's more conducive to jumping from the rear of the aircraft.

Paratroopers making a high-altitude jump are usually also carrying equipment that can't fit through the side doors.

As of November, however, the UK Royal Air Force was still breaking in the A400M and developing procedures for paratroop operations.

The A400M's cockpit can be found above the cargo compartment, which Airbus says is to maximize the aircraft's available cargo space.

One unique feature about the A400M is that its cockpit actually has the look of a traditional airline cockpit in many ways, as opposed to previous generations of American military aircraft.

Pilots have large high-definition displays to feed them flight data and navigational information, just like on an airliner such as the Airbus A380 or Airbus A350 XWB.

"Everything that is close to you is things that you will use every day," Horne said. "Everything is placed very nicely for the pilots."

Embedded in the heads-up display is an enhanced vision system that lets pilots see through the clouds during periods of reduced visibility.

Airbus’ iconic sidestick is what pilots use to maneuver the A400M with fly-by-wire technology allowing for a smoother flight experience.

And pilots can access navigational charts through their flight displays.

A third seat allows for a third crewmember to assist the two pilots during high-intensity missions, including "package" flights when a group of aircraft fly together.

Pilots also have multiple ways of escaping the cockpit in case of an emergency, including through the cockpit windows or an emergency hatch above the cockpit.

The loadmaster for the flight is tasked with ensuring the safety and integrity of the cargo and passengers onboard.

Digital and autonomous systems on the aircraft help expedite the loading and offloading process while also reducing the workload of the loadmaster.

Crew rest areas on the aircraft are quite meager but consist of bunks in the cockpit.

Flight crews on long-haul missions can retreat to the bunks to rest if the mission allows.

Lavatories on the aircraft are, however, very similar to those found on airliners.

This A400M had separate lavatories for crew and passengers.

Another unique feature of the A400M is that the nose avionics bay can be accessed through the lavatory.

The aircraft also has a galley area, similar to those found on an airliner.

And the most important part of the A400M's galley, for some pilots, is the coffee maker.

Cost overruns, delivery delays, and capability issues first plagued the A400M during its development and the first few years of operations, as the Financial Times reported.

France received its first A400M four years later and the aircraft program cost Airbus more than 30 billion euros, according to Reuters.

But the end result has been a highly capable aircraft that's slowly but surely proving itself to be a fitting alternative to the C-130.