RAF A400M Atlas transport aircraft carrying out a series of spectacular test landings and take offs on a beach in South Wales.. .The trial at Pembrey Air Weapons Range was organised by the DE&S A400M Project Team, based at MOD Abbey Wood in Bristol, in conjunction with Airbus and the Royal Air Force...Atlas is coming into service as the 2nd Tranche replacement for the C130K to provide a tactical air lift and strategic oversize lift capability...Operated by 2 pilots and a Weapons Systems Operator (Crewman) (WSOp (Cmn)), the aircraft has the ability to carry a 25-tonne payload over 2,000nm to established and remote civilian and military airfields, or by landing on short, unprepared or semi-prepared strips. In a table detailing current and future Ministry of Defence expenditure, an entry is listed mentioning that the UK plans to purchase additional A400M Atlas transport aircraft later this decade.