Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy gives a press conference following the crash of an Airbus A400M, in Sevilla on May 9, 2015. (AFP)
Seville, Spain:
Capable of transporting up to 37 tons over 3,300 kilometres, the A400M is still nimble enough to land on irregular terrain.
Airbus has high hopes for the aircraft, which is reaching the market just as its main US rivals are nearing the end of their life cycles -- notably the C-130, which was designed 50 years ago.
A total of 174 A400M planes have been ordered, including 50 by France, 53 by Germany, 27 by Spain and 22 by Britain.
Though Saturday's crash was the first involving the aircraft, it is the second deadly accident involving military planes in Spain this year.
During NATO exercises on January 26, a Greek fighter jet experienced a technical failure during take-off and crashed into pilots and mechanics on the ground, killing 11 people and injuring 21.
Following Saturday's crash, Spanish political parties announced suspension of their campaigning for May 24 regional elections out of respect for the victims.
Airbus has high hopes for the aircraft, which is reaching the market just as its main US rivals are nearing the end of their life cycles -- notably the C-130, which was designed 50 years ago.
A total of 174 A400M planes have been ordered, including 50 by France, 53 by Germany, 27 by Spain and 22 by Britain.
Though Saturday's crash was the first involving the aircraft, it is the second deadly accident involving military planes in Spain this year.
During NATO exercises on January 26, a Greek fighter jet experienced a technical failure during take-off and crashed into pilots and mechanics on the ground, killing 11 people and injuring 21.
Following Saturday's crash, Spanish political parties announced suspension of their campaigning for May 24 regional elections out of respect for the victims.
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