On February 19, 2015, an A400M Atlas transport aircraft took off from Airbase 123 in Orleans for a long-duration mission, called ‘Operation Avalon.’ This is the first world tour for the Air Force’s new tactical transport aircraft.

The Atlas took off from Orleans carrying 5.5 tonnes of cargo destined for the UAE in particular. The equipment, mostly aircraft maintenance items, medical equipment and support items, is partly for the benefit of the French forces deployed on Operation Shamal. The large payload of the Atlas and its very long range now allow crews of tactical transport aircraft to conduct missions lasting longer than previously possible. At its second stop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the aircraft was also very well received, sparking the interest of Malaysians who will take delivery of their first A400M aircraft in March.

Throughout the trip, experiments are conducted on the environment of the A400M (temperature, air quality) to make recommendations including aviation safety, as well as in the set-up of rest and rotations for aircrews. “The entire mission is scheduled to last about 75 flight hours,” said Lt Colonel Oliver, pilot of the tactical transport aircraft programme office (EMATT) of the Centre d’Expériences Aériennes Militaires (CEAM, the French Air Force’s operational conversion unit).

“It is currently the longest mission ever conducted on the Atlas since it joined the forces in August 2013. These long flights allow continuing experimentation and trials of the A400M. Each pilot is well equipped with an EEG measuring his state of fatigue, as well as his level of vigilance. Everyone must also take a series of computer tests and questionnaires. The influence of jet lag on our general health is also taken into account.”

The next step is already underway: Destination Avalon, in Australia, to attend the airshow.