Giant RAF plane Airbus Atlas A400 flies over Blackpool and Fylde Coast

A giant of the RAF fleet paid a roaring visit to Blackpool and the Fylde Coast yesterday (Wednesday, March 29).
By Matthew Calderbank
Published 30th Mar 2023, 12:22 GMT
Updated 30th Mar 2023, 15:49 GMT
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The Royal Air Force’s massive Airbus Atlas A400 was an awesome sight as it circled low over the coast for a flypast at Blackpool Airport.

Cleveleys photographer Steve Eaves captured the monster plane as it descended with a roar over the sand dunes.

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His pictures show the incredible size of the Atlas which boasts a wingspan of 42 metres (138ft) and is believed to cost the RAF around £100 million.

Marc Smith's video of the huge RAF plane has over 17,000 views on TikTok (@iammarcsmith)Marc Smith's video of the huge RAF plane has over 17,000 views on TikTok (@iammarcsmith)
Marc Smith's video of the huge RAF plane has over 17,000 views on TikTok (@iammarcsmith)

Blackpool resident Marc Smith also managed to film the plane as it rumbled low over rooftops on a ‘dummy run’ over the airport’s runway before taking to the skies again.

His video on TikTok has more than 17,000 views and hundreds of comments from those stunned by the sight of the enormous plane soaring over his home near the airport.

You can find more pictures of the RAF plane from Steve and Marc below...

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A giant of the RAF fleet, the Airbus Atlas A400 paid a roaring visit to Blackpool and the Fylde Coast yesterday (Wednesday, March 29). Picture by Steve EavesA giant of the RAF fleet, the Airbus Atlas A400 paid a roaring visit to Blackpool and the Fylde Coast yesterday (Wednesday, March 29). Picture by Steve Eaves
A giant of the RAF fleet, the Airbus Atlas A400 paid a roaring visit to Blackpool and the Fylde Coast yesterday (Wednesday, March 29). Picture by Steve Eaves

Did you know?

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The huge size of the Atlas A400 means it can carry up to 116 fully equipped troops and a 37-tonne payload.

Along with its transport role, it can perform aerial refueling and medical evacuation for up to 66 casualties and 25 medical personnel.

According to the RAF website, its fleet of A400M's are based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire - the UK's largest RAF station.

Related topics:BlackpoolBlackpool AirportCleveleys