France takes delivery of third A400M

France has received the third A400M transport from its 50-unit order – the fourth delivery for the programme overall.
Handed over on 25 July, MSN10 will be operated by the French air force from its Orléans air base.
The new arrival shows an increase in performance over the two examples it received last year, with the A400M now able to reach its contractual ceiling of 39,400ft (12,000m), and boasting additional capacity thanks to its ability to carry two pallets on the cargo ramp.
Currently Turkey is the only other nation to take delivery of an A400M, having received its initial aircraft from a 10-strong order in April this year.
flightglobal