Airbus Military says it will be capable of operating in any type of climate and weather conditions, providing an in-flight refuelling capability.

BBC: A400M: Military workhorse

The original jumbo jet could carry twice as many passengers as the next largest plane then flying and had a greater range, allowing, for example, a long transatlantic flight without refuelling.

ECONOMIST: A hulking beast joins the dogfight

On board the aircraft carriers there are typically 70-80 planes for defence, attack, refuelling in flight, jamming enemy communications and radars, and for airborne surveillance and control.

BBC: F/A-18C prepares to launch from the USS Enterprise