The Royal Air Force (RAF) has trialed mass low-level parachuting on the A400M Atlas C Mk1, further expanding the aircraft’s capability.
The A400M Atlas will take over low-level parachuting capability from the C-130J which is due to retire next year.
Paratroopers from 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team along with Royal Marines from 3 Commando Brigade participated in the trials over Salisbury Plain.
The trials have been planned and delivered by No. 206 Squadron Test & Evaluation Squadron and the Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit.
Air Commodore Martin, Atlas Programme Senior Responsible Owner said:
“The successful initiation of mass low-level parachuting trials on the Atlas represents a major milestone for the Atlas Capability Programme. This significant step is the result of a lot of hard work by the whole team and keeps the Programme on track to transfer low-level and high-altitude parachuting capability from C130J Hercules onto the Atlas next year.”
“Adding both parachuting capabilities to the range of other tactical capabilities that are already in service such as the ability to air-drop supplies, air-to-air refuelling, and landing on natural surfaces, puts the Atlas in a good position to take over from the Hercules in 2023.”
