RAF Brize Norton marks the 10th anniversary since delivery of the first RAF Atlas C Mk.1 (A400M) transport aircraft.
Atlas has been a game-changer for military operations worldwide; from natural disaster relief to pandemic response, Atlas has played a crucial role in delivering life-saving supplies and evacuating civilians under challenging conditions.
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Atlas C Mk.1 (A400M) transport aircraft at RAF Brize Norton, this multi-role military transport aircraft has redefined strategic and tactical airlift worldwide.
Since the first of the 22-strong fleet of aircraft was delivered to RAF Brize Norton on 17 November 2014 Airbus, Atlas has repeatedly proven itself on a range of operations. It has become a vital asset to armed forces across the globe, demonstrating unprecedented performance, adaptability, and resilience in support of military and humanitarian missions alike.
Atlas has excelled during relief operations in the Caribbean and contributed fully during the military response to COVID, transporting patients, equipment & vaccines. It played a pivotal role in the evacuation of entitled personnel from Afghanistan and Sudan, and most recently delivered supplies by air drop in Gaza.
Operated by four Squadrons (XXIV, 30, LXX and 206) at RAF Brize Norton, an Atlas is also based in the Falkland Islands providing Maritime Reconnaissance, Search and Rescue, and Medical Evacuation cover in the South Atlantic. With the benefit of air-air refuelling Atlas can also airdrop supplies in Antarctica.
Last year an RAF Atlas also carried out the longest-ever flight of the type flying non-stop for 22-hours from RAF Brize Norton to Guam in the Pacific.
Commander Air Wing, Group Captain McIntyre said:
“The Atlas has consistently demonstrated superior strategic capabilities and versatility for the many challenging missions faced by the RAF. Its range, altitude, speed, payload and tactical performance has proven invaluable in humanitarian missions over the past 10 years, including the Caribbean, Afghanistan, Sudan, Middle-East, not to mention protecting Europe’s Eastern flank and life-saving rescue missions in the South Atlantic.”
Group Captain McIntyre
Commander Air Wing
RAF Brize Norton
Michelle Ostergaard, DE&S A400M Team Lead and Head of Programme Delivery, said:
“The A400M has been an excellent demonstration of multinational collaboration, with DE&S working in partnership with the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) and five other nations for the success of this European procurement project.
“Throughout the last 10 years DE&S has provided support for the aircraft’s global operations and we continue to work closely with OCCAR, nations and industry to procure equipment for, and support services to, the A400M fleet.”
Michelle Ostergaard
DE&S A400M Team Lead and
Head of Programme Delivery
The Atlas is a four-engine turboprop aircraft that can deliver 37 tonnes of cargo over long distances, reach challenging, remote locations, and operate from short, unpaved runways, It has proven indispensable for critical operations in diverse environments. To date, the A400M has logged over 200,000 flight hours, underscoring its reliability and indispensability in missions ranging from combat support to disaster relief.
Atlas has advanced avionics, fly-by-wire controls, and a fully digital cockpit, allowing for efficient operations, precision navigation, and reduced pilot workload. It has exceptional short field performance enabling it to operate from short un-prepared as well as semi-prepared strips, all achievable whilst utilising night vision goggles.
