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A400M officially named 'Atlas' by RAF
06 July 2012The A400M will be officially named' Atlas' when it enters service with the Royal Air Force in 2014, it has been announced.
The government is buying 22 of the aircraft from Airbus Military to replace the RAF's existing C130-J Hercules fleet and join Boeing's C-17 Globemaster in the future air transport force.
The A400M can carry 32 tonnes of cargo over a range of 4,500 km, and land on semi-permanent runways and rough ground. The RAF says this will allow it to supply tactical forward bases and evacuate casualties or refugees.
The aircraft was officially named at the Royal International Air Tattoo, at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Peter Luff said: "Atlas will be a uniquely capable aircraft and will provide both tactical and strategic airlift capabilities for use in peace, crisis and war. The name Atlas reflects the potential of this mighty aircraft to provide help and support to our armed forces and others in need across the globe.
"The programme is a good example of how European partners can work together to deliver world-class military capability."
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton said: "Atlas will offer a step change in the Royal Air Force's capability and with its significant payload it will be able to transport every type of UK Protected Mobility Vehicle directly to where they are needed as well as supporting forces on the ground through significant tactical air drop.
"Atlas together with the C17 Globemaster, C130 J Hercules and the new Voyager aircraft, now entering service with the RAF, will give us the ability to rapidly move people and equipment around the globe for military and humanitarian operations for decades ahead."
HAVE YOUR SAY
06 July 2012
Airbus has officially name the A400M as Atlas:
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/in-focus-a400m-to-get-new-name-as-first-delivery-draws-near-373320/
Not sure if they took their lead from the RAF or if it was the other way round.
Graham - High Wycombe
06 July 2012
I prefer the original name Airbus gave it 'Grizzly'
michael - notts
06 July 2012
So are these Atlas A-400M going to be used to replace 47 Sqn Hercules on short grass fields tactical landing grass strips???
Mike Hockley - Military Research
06 July 2012
Shame we had to get rid of 20,000 soldiers to pay for 22 planes which will be 5 years late and £1bn over budget.
But so long as the RAF get their toys - all is well.
Andy
06 July 2012
So are these Atlas A-400M going to be used to replace 47 Sqn Hercules on short grass fields tactical landing grass strips???
I would hope not, and that some Hercs may be retained for UKSF, or an additional type ordered.
With only 22 plus the C17's making a fleet of 30, and with several Hercs used by 47 Sqn for numerous UKSF ops already then more aircraft will be needed.
And with the SF being "in vogue" with our stupid ministers who think SF can work miracles then I do expect SF will get the aircraft they need, like the additional Wildcats to replace Lynx on 657 JSFAW as an example.
Daniele Mandelli - Guildford
08 July 2012
Appropriate name as you will need an Atlas when it goes U/S and you need to drive back to the UK.
Wibble - UK
08 July 2012
Just to say that I saw 'Grizzly' at an airstrip overseas. Looked great, very keen to see how these things measure up.
Anon - Abroad
09 July 2012
Andy
Oh right! so it was the A400 that was the reason not the QE carriers or the JSF to fly from them or Trident replacement. No just blame the RAF. In a word "pathetic" get a grip man and stop posting nonsense .
And the reason is the clueless posh boy idiots we have got in no's 10 and 11 Downing Street and if you voted for them then look in the mirror when portioning blame.
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Daniele Mandelli - Guildford
The problem with the C130J fleet is that they will be knackered by the time A400M replaces them as they have been worked much harder than planned. However the case for retaining a number of C130J for SF ops is overwhelming and so my belief is that we will retain a number and fit new wing boxes. After all if we don't sell the others on we will have a large pool of spares!
Graham - High Wycombe
09 July 2012
For all you anti A400/RAF types here is a bit more good news.
Today at the Farnborough airshow the PM is due to sign a £50m contract with Thales UK for a A400 simulator.
michael - notts
09 July 2012
Graham - High Wycombe.
Agreed. Let us pray Sentinel, Shadow and Reaper are also saved post 2015.
Apart from the obvious that less assets mean they cannot be in two places at once less means worked more thus knackered early.
And if HMG keeps up their P5 grandstanding while cutting then that will only continue. What is next? Iran? Syria?
With these expeditionary policies then the RAF's refuelling, transport and ISTAR forces should be getting priority and getting bigger, or at the very least maintained. Not smaller.
Sad to say I was one of those whom voted for the Tories after 13 years of Labour neglect of HM forces.
Daniele Mandelli - Guildford
17 July 2012
Grizzly is a daft name. Atlas is in keeping with the Logistics airctaft (Hercule's, Galaxy etc)so a welcome change.
HamishUK - GB