I agree with Bill Sweetman’s assesment (see also here), that this is a sweetspot for tactical airlift.
Looking at the picture’s, it’s clear that the aircraft is about twice the size of a C-130, and half the size of a C-17, and it’s got a lot of tire, which translates to good rough field performance.
The only real competitor out there is the AN-70 (picture below), which carries about 10 more tons, but has somewhat shorter ranges at a similar load out, but the Russians and the Ukrainians need to fund it past the one remaining prototype (see bottom picture).
Comparison:
|
|
A400M |
An-70 |
|
Empty Weight (kg) |
70,000 |
66,230 |
|
Max Gross Weight(kg) |
145,000 |
141,000 |
|
Speed (km/h) |
780 |
780 |
|
Max Payload (kg) |
37,000 |
47,000 |
|
Range w/20 t Payload |
6,600 |
3,300 |
|
|
8,000 |
9,300 |
I would note that with its contra-rotating props, the An-70 is a lot louder, and would therefore likely be unacceptable for the partners in EADS, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain.
Also, there are provisions for aerial refueling the An-70 in the pictures that I’ve seen.
On the minus side for the A400M is that it’s engines are behind schedule, and so it will be a while before it flies and ships.
A400M
A400M
AN-70