Airbus A400M Atlas vs Il-76: 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

Il-76

Transport or support aircraft, Soviet Union. In service since 1974

What gives it away

Four-jet high-wing transport with a T-tail, a glazed navigator's nose under the cockpit and a rear ramp.

Used by

Russia, Ukraine, India, China and many others

Airbus A400M Atlas · Il-76 · All guides