The Airbus A400M Atlas is a European four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. It was designed by Airbus Military, now Airbus Defense and Space, as a tactical airlifter with

strategic capabilities to replace older transport aircraft, such as the Transall C-160 and the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. The A400M is sized between the C-130 and the Boeing C-17

Globemaster III. It can carry heavier loads than the C-130 and can use rough landing strips. In addition to its transport capabilities, the A400M can perform aerial refueling and medical

 evacuation when fitted with appropriate equipment.

The Air Component has replaced the Lockheed C-130 Hercules in the 15th Air Transport Wing, based at Melsbroek Air Base, by eight Airbus A400M transport aircraft, one of which

flies forthe Luxembourg Air Force. (CT-01)