What is A400M Atlas?

About A400M Atlas:

• It is a multi-national four-engine turboprop      
• The aircraft is manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space, a division of the European aerospace and defence firm Airbus.
• It was designed to meet the requirements of the Belgium, French, German, Spanish, Turkish, Luxembourg and UK air forces.
• It is a multi-role aircraft that serves as both a tactical airlifter and a strategic airlifter.
• Features:
  • It can carry up to 37 tons of cargo and be used for transport, air-to-air refueling, and paratroop missions.
  • The A400M’s normal operating speed is 555km/h, but it can reach a maximum speed of 780km/h.
  • The aircraft weighs approximately 76,500kg, and the maximum take-off weight is 141,000kg.
  • It stands out for its ability to carry oversized cargo, including vehicles and helicopters.
  • The A400M cockpit is fully night-vision compatible and provides accommodation for two pilots and an additional crew member for special mission equipment operations. 
  • It can carry 116 paratroops and airdrop them and their equipment either by parachute or gravity extraction.
  • It can be converted into a tactical tanker that has the ability to refuel a range of aircraft and helicopters.

Q1) What is a turboprop engine?

A turboprop engine, short for "turbine propeller" engine, is a type of aircraft propulsion system that combines elements of both a jet engine and a conventional propeller-driven engine. Turboprop engines are commonly used in aircraft designed for short to medium-haul flights, such as regional airliners, cargo planes, military transport aircraft, and some turboprop-powered general aviation aircraft. 

Source: Airbus Proposes A400M Atlas Capable Of Reshaping India's Strategic Airlift Capabilities