Airbus A400M Atlas vs C-130 Hercules: how to tell them apart

Two transport and support aircraft that are easy to mix up at a glance. Here is what tells them apart.

Airbus A400M Atlas

Transport or support aircraft, Europe (Airbus). In service since 2013

What gives it away

Four-engine high-wing transport with big eight-blade curved propellers that turn in opposite directions on each wing, and a T-tail.

Used by

Germany, France, United Kingdom, Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia

C-130 Hercules

Transport or support aircraft, USA. In service since 1956

What gives it away

Four-propeller high-wing transport with a rear ramp under an upswept tail and landing-gear bulges on the fuselage sides.

Used by

Denmark, USA, United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden and over 60 others

Airbus A400M Atlas · C-130 Hercules · All guides