The response: The A400M

Cargo Hold Capability

The entire range of current and anticipated loads defined in the European Staff Requirement are all within A400M's carrying capability. Military loads ranging from large armoured combat vehicles and artillery to attack, and utility helicopters and civil loads such as excavators and dump trucks can all be accommodated. The A400M cargo hold dimensions are optimised for the transportation of heavy vehicles and / or cargo pallets, as well as being easily configured to carry troops, lifting material, paratroops, or perform Medical Evacuation (Medevac).

The A400M cargo handling system allows for pallets and containers to be loaded / unloaded by a single loadmaster, without any special ground support equipment. An optional five-tonne crane can be installed at the rear of the fuselage allowing loading and unloading of fully loaded military pallets.

The cargo hold provides enough space to carry nine standard military pallets (88in x 108in) including two loaded on the ramp area. Civil pallets (125in-wide) can also be loaded using an optional roller/restraint system. Simultaneously 54 troops can be seated in the side-wall seats. The pallet roller/ restraint system can easily be stowed to provide a flat floor for tracked or wheeled vehicle loading.

The A400M cargo bay can accommodate up to 116 fully equipped troops / paratroops, seated in four longitudinal rows. Paratroops can be dropped from the rear doors or from the ramp. The cargo hold can also be converted for a medical evacuation role (Medevac) allowing up to 66 standard NATO stretchers to be carried with 25 medical personnel seated on the troop seats. It is designed for up to 125 stretchers with seven personnel assistants for extreme situations.