After a lengthy gestation period, the first prototype A400M took to the air on 11 December 2009, heralding the start of a flight test programme that has now progressed to the point where production examples are entering service with air arms including the French Air Force, Royal Air Force and Turkish Air Force. This is a four-turboprop machine, powered by four new Europrop International TP400 engines, combining tactical and strategic capabilities into one platform. On order at present are 174 examples for eight countries. The RAF is receiving 22 examples of what it has officially named the Atlas C1 for service as part of its air mobility fleet at Brize Norton, deliveries having commenced last autumn.