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See the interior of the Airbus A400M Atlas cargo plane made famous by Tom Cruise
Commercial aircraft manufacturers have long engaged in lucrative business to support the defense industry, and Airbus is no different. While the public marvels at Airbus’ latest jetliners, the top brass of national armies marvel at its war-ready troop transport, in-flight refueling and military cargo planes.
A German Luftwaffe Airbus A400.
SpaceKris/Shutterstock.com
Airbus launched the A400M Atlas program in 2003 with the aim of supplying the countries of the Joint Armaments Cooperation Organization. The first A400M was delivered in France in 2013 after 10 years of development and four years behind schedule.
An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.
Thomas Pallini/Insider
Source: Airbus and Financial Times
Today, many countries have placed 176 orders for the aircraft. The countries that have orders with Airbus are Malaysia, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Turkey, Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom.
An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.
Thomas Pallini/Insider
Source: Airbus
The A400M is powered by turboprops and targets the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. One of the most iconic aircraft in American military history, the C-130 has seen service in every American war since the Vietnam War.
A Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport plane
U.S. Air Force photo by Cynthia Griggs
There is room for seven pallets on the main deck and two additional pallets on the ramp. A Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter can even be carried on board the aircraft if needed.
An Airbus A400M at the Dubai Airshow 2021.
Thomas Pallini/Insider
Source: Airbus