Atlas is the official nickname associated with the Airbus A400M military transport aircraft.
The A400M Atlas is a four-engine turboprop transport designed to carry troops, vehicles, cargo and humanitarian supplies. It occupies a capability range between tactical airlifters such as the Lockheed C-130 and larger strategic transports such as the Boeing C-17.
The aircraft is powered by four Europrop International TP400-D6 turboprop engines. Its design combines a large cargo hold with short-field performance, allowing it to operate from runways that may be unsuitable for heavy strategic transports. The A400M can also perform aerial refuelling and has a tanker configuration.
Atlas is easily confused with names used for other military transports. Hercules is associated with the C-130, while Globemaster is associated with the C-17. Atlas specifically identifies Airbus’s A400M programme and is included in the aircraft’s full name, Airbus A400M Atlas.