Pilots fly the gargantuan military-cargo plane from French aircraft manufacturer Airbus in a demonstration for attendees and potential customers.
Stephen Shankland
Stephen Shankland worked at CNET from 1998 to 2024 and wrote about processors, digital photography, AI, quantum computing, computer science, materials science, supercomputers, drones, browsers, 3D printing, USB, and new computing technology in general. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces. His first big scoop was about radioactive cat poop.
The Airbus A400M, which went on sale in 2009, is a massive airlifter that can carry a semi-tractor trailer rig or two helicopters. This one is flying over the Paris Air Show.
2 of 10Stephen Shankland/CNET
Airbus A400M at Paris Air Show
The Airbus A400M banks steeply in a sharp turn above the Paris Air Show.
3 of 10Stephen Shankland/CNET
Airbus A400M at Paris Air Show
An Airbus A400M awaits takeoff at the Paris Air Show.
4 of 10Stephen Shankland/CNET
Airbus A400M at Paris Air Show
The Airbus A400M, here flying over the Paris Air Show, can carry up to 37 metric tons of cargo.
5 of 10Stephen Shankland/CNET
Airbus A400M at Paris Air Show
The Airbus A400M, flying over the Paris Air Show, has a range of 8,700 km, or about 5,400 miles.
6 of 10Stephen Shankland/CNET
Airbus A400M at Paris Air Show
The Airbus A400M has four Europrop International TP 400 turboprops, powerful enough to fly at Mach 0.72. This model is flying over the Paris Air Show.
7 of 10Stephen Shankland/CNET
Airbus A400M at Paris Air Show
The bulges on the sides at the bottom of the fuselage house the Airbus A400M's landing gear. This A400M is flying over the Paris Air Show.
8 of 10Stephen Shankland/CNET
Airbus A400M at Paris Air Show
The Airbus A400M comes in for a landing at the Paris Air Show.
9 of 10Stephen Shankland/CNET
Airbus A400M at Paris Air Show
The Airbus A400M has a blunt-nosed appearance. This one is preparing for takeoff at the Paris Air Show.
10 of 10Stephen Shankland/CNET
Airbus A400M at Paris Air Show
Even planes with windshield wipers, such as this Airbus A400M at the Paris Air Show, benefit from a real window washer.