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A400M Atlas vs C-17 Globemaster III

Airbus A400M Atlas military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇪🇺 A400M Atlas
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Specifications
A400M Atlas C-17 Globemaster III
Origin country 🇪🇺 Europe 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus McDonnell Douglas
First flight 11 December 2009 15 September 1991
Year introduced 2013 1993
Number produced 174 units 279 units
Average unit price $152 million $340 million
Wing area 221.5 m² 353.0 m²
Wingspan 42.4 m 51.8 m
Height 14.7 m 16.8 m
Length 45.1 m 53.0 m
Maximum speed 780 km/h 930 km/h
Operational range 3,300 km 4,480 km
Service ceiling 12,500 m 13,715 m
Max. takeoff weight 141,000 kg 259,460 kg
Empty weight 66,500 kg 122,000 kg
Total thrust 4 x 2,051 kW 4 x 4,727 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A400M Atlas or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III is faster with a maximum speed of 930 km/h compared to the A400M Atlas's 780 km/h, a difference of 150 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A400M Atlas or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a longer range at 4,480 km compared to the A400M Atlas's 3,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the A400M Atlas or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher service ceiling at 13,715 meters (44,996 ft) compared to the A400M Atlas's 12,500 meters (41,010 ft).
Which is heavier, the A400M Atlas or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 259,460 kg compared to the A400M Atlas's 141,000 kg.
Which is larger, the A400M Atlas or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III is longer at 53.0 meters compared to the A400M Atlas's 45.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A400M Atlas or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III is more expensive at approximately $340 million per unit compared to the A400M Atlas at $152 million.
Which entered service first, the A400M Atlas or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III entered service first in 1993, 20 years before the A400M Atlas which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A400M Atlas or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III has been produced in greater numbers with 279 units compared to 174 units of the A400M Atlas.