FSX RAF Airbus A400M ZM400

This freeware repaint enhances the Rolande Laborie Cargo 400M to depict the very first Airbus A400M received by the RAF, identified under the serial ZM400. Although the real aircraft bears the name “City of Bristol,” this livery only adjusts the serial number while keeping the core scheme intact. Developed by Dave Morgan and designed for Microsoft Flight Simulator X, this package requires the payware foundation created by Rolande Laborie (available separately, for instance through specialized stores such as SimShack).

Refined Exterior Updates

The repaint delivers a subtle yet authentic exterior intended to reflect the initial operational appearance of the RAF’s Airbus A400M. This multipurpose turboprop powerplant [referring to the set of four propeller-equipped engines] caters to medium- and long-range logistical tasks, and the newly assigned registration highlights its RAF affiliation. Since the actual aircraft is equipped for strategic transport, the updated markings align perfectly with typical Royal Air Force protocols.

Installation Workflow

• Copy the following block into your aircraft.cfg file and amend “[fltsim.x]” so that “x” becomes the next sequence number in the list.
• Add the accompanying texture.zm400 folder to the aircraft directory. The folder itself holds only two DDS files, because it uses the original RAF textures for everything else via texture.cfg aliasing.

[fltsim.x]
title=Cargo 400M UK ZM400
sim=A400M_GTP-13
model=""
panel=""
sound=""
texture=zm400
kb_checklists=QUICK START
kb_reference=Cargo400M_check
atc_id_color=0xff000000
atc_id=UK208LN
atc_airline=Landmark
atc_flight_number=404
atc_parking_types=RAMP
ui_manufacturer=Airbus Military
ui_type=A400M
ui_variation=RAF ZM400
ui_typerole=Quadrimoteur Turbopropulseur
ui_createdby=Rollus13 Corporation
description=

Additional Details

This variant, designated ZM400, typically aids the RAF’s broader transport fleet for troop movements and equipment supply. Though the name “City of Bristol” does not appear on this particular repaint, the serial prefix uniquely distinguishes its position within the service branch. Operators expecting operational realism will value the turboprop flight characteristics [referring to the aerodynamic behavior of the propeller-based power units], which stand out especially during transport missions and heavy cargo scenarios.

Developer & Attribution

The repaint itself is credited to Dave Morgan, while the original payware model comes from Rolande Laborie. Users seeking an accurate, high-fidelity iteration of the Airbus A400M for cargo hauling in Microsoft Flight Simulator X will undoubtedly benefit from installing this texture package, as long as they have the prerequisite payware content in place.