Natural Surface Operations (NSO) for the A400M Atlas have officially been handed over to the Air Mobility’s Operational Conversion Unit (OCU), XXIV Squadron.
Since 2018, 206 Squadron, the RAF’s Heavy Aircraft Test and Evaluation Squadron, has undertaken extensive NSO capability trials for the A400M Atlas, the newest aircraft in the Air Mobility Force.
This is a significant milestone for the A400M Atlas to achieve since its arrival into RAF service in 2014. Commonly known as the ‘Atlas’ this versatile aircraft provides tactical airlift and strategic oversize lift capabilities complementing those of the C-130J Hercules and C-17 Globemaster.
Wing Commander Neil Philp, Officer Commanding Number 206 Squadron said:
“This milestone demonstrates the fantastic tactical airlift capability of the A400M and has the potential to make an immediate impact to operations. The handover of the capability to XXIV Squadron is the culmination of several years of test and evaluation and has been a true team effort to deliver.”
Wing Commander Neil Philp
Officer Commanding
Number 206 Squadron
XXIV Squadron, responsible for training the RAF’s strategic Air Mobility Fleet, will now take this capability forward and deliver training to the front-line Squadrons.
Wing Commander Andy McIntyre, Officer Commanding Number XXIV Squadron said:
“This is a really exciting time for the XXIV Squadron tactical instructors, who will now develop a course and deliver it to LXX Squadron crews. Bringing A400M Natural Surface Operations into 2 Group is an important first step towards a tactical capability, an achievement only made possible by a huge team effort involving 206 Squadron, Airbus, LXX Squadron engineers and key enablers such as Tactical Air Traffic Control."
Wing Commander Andy McIntyre
Officer Commanding
Number XXIV Squadron
