GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

Airbus A321 vs A400M Atlas

Airbus A321 military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇪🇺 Airbus A321
Airbus A400M Atlas military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇪🇺 A400M Atlas
Change comparison vs
Specifications
Airbus A321 A400M Atlas
Origin country 🇪🇺 Europe 🇪🇺 Europe
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus Airbus
First flight 27 February 1987 11 December 2009
Year introduced 1994 2013
Number produced 2917 units 174 units
Average unit price $120 million $152 million
Wing area 122.6 m² 221.5 m²
Wingspan 34.1 m 42.4 m
Height 11.8 m 14.7 m
Length 37.6 m 45.1 m
Maximum speed 871 km/h 780 km/h
Operational range 5,930 km 3,300 km
Service ceiling 12,000 m 12,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 78,000 kg 141,000 kg
Empty weight 42,600 kg 66,500 kg
Total thrust 2 x 5,670 kgf 4 x 2,051 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Airbus A321 and the A400M Atlas are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and Airbus respectively.

Top speed is 871 km/h for the Airbus A321 vs 780 km/h for the A400M Atlas. The Airbus A321 has an operational range of 5,930 km vs 3,300 km for the A400M Atlas. The A400M Atlas operates at altitudes up to 12,500 m compared to 12,000 m for the Airbus A321.

The Airbus A321 has been produced in 2,917 units vs 174 for the A400M Atlas. Unit cost is $120M for the Airbus A321 vs $152M for the A400M Atlas. The Airbus A321 first flew 22 years before the A400M Atlas (1987 vs 2009).

Related Comparisons
A400M Atlas vs C-17 Globemaster III Airbus A321 vs 208 Caravan Airbus A321 vs PC-12 Eagle Airbus A321 vs Airbus A330 Airbus A321 vs Airbus A319 CJ Airbus A321 vs Boeing 767

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Airbus A321 or A400M Atlas?
The Airbus A321 is faster with a maximum speed of 871 km/h compared to the A400M Atlas's 780 km/h, a difference of 91 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Airbus A321 or A400M Atlas?
The Airbus A321 has a longer range at 5,930 km compared to the A400M Atlas's 3,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the Airbus A321 or A400M Atlas?
The A400M Atlas has a higher service ceiling at 12,500 meters (41,010 ft) compared to the Airbus A321's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the Airbus A321 or A400M Atlas?
The A400M Atlas has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 141,000 kg compared to the Airbus A321's 78,000 kg.
Which is larger, the Airbus A321 or A400M Atlas?
The A400M Atlas is longer at 45.1 meters compared to the Airbus A321's 37.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Airbus A321 or A400M Atlas?
The A400M Atlas is more expensive at approximately $152 million per unit compared to the Airbus A321 at $120 million.
Which entered service first, the Airbus A321 or A400M Atlas?
The Airbus A321 entered service first in 1994, 19 years before the A400M Atlas which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Airbus A321 or A400M Atlas?
The Airbus A321 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,917 units compared to 174 units of the A400M Atlas.