page_title: Future of the Royal Air Force
section_title: Atlas
hierarchical_section_title: Future of the Royal Air Force / Transport and air-to-air refuelling / Atlas
caption_attribution_description: First A400M on final approach on 15/Jan, 4th flight.
context_page_description: The planning for the future of the Royal Air Force involves supporting ongoing British military operations, the introduction of new aircraft types, greater focus on network enabled capability and increasing interoperability with members of NATO.
context_section_description: Future transport capability will rely on the Airbus A400M Atlas, of which 22 are to be used to replace the Lockheed Hercules C1/C3 (C-130K) aircraft.
  The Airbus A400M will increase the airlift capacity and range compared with the aircraft it was originally set to replace, the older versions of the Hercules and Transall. Cargo capacity is expected to double over existing aircraft, both in payload and volume, and range is increased substantially as well. The cargo box is 17.71 m long excluding ramp, 4.00 m wide, and 3.85 m high. The height is 4.00 m aft of the wing and the ramp is 5.40 m long. The Airbus A400M will operate in many configurations including cargo transport, troop transport, Medical evacuation, and electronic surveillance. The aircraft is intended for use on short, soft landing strips and for long-range, cargo transport flights.
  Current and future units
  70 Squadron, RAF Brize Norton
  30 Squadron, RAF Brize Norton (expected to be the second operational squadron following retirement of part of the Hercules fleet)
  Operational Conversion Units
  24 Squadron, RAF Brize Norton
  Operational Evaluation Units
  206 Squadron, RAF Brize Norton
caption: The first A400M on final approach, during its fourth flight on 15 January 2010.
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