Herpa Belgian Air Component Force Airbus A400M Atlas CT-02 1:500 Diecast Model

1:500 Diecast: Belgian Air Component Airbus A400M Atlas CT-02 (Herpa). This aircraft, serial CT-02 (construction number 106), holds the distinction of being the first A400M delivered to the Belgian Air Force. Handed over during a ceremony at the A400M Final Assembly Line in Seville, Spain, on December 22, 2020, it was subsequently ferried to its home at Melsbroek Air Base, on the north end of Brussels Airport. It was an early Christmas gift for the Belgian Air Component, marking the beginning of the end for the nation's aging C-130 Hercules fleet.

The binational experiment: CT-02 is part of a unique military arrangement—it operates within a binational unit alongside a single A400M purchased by neighboring Luxembourg (serial CT-01, delivered October 7, 2020). Both nations' aircraft are flown by 20 Squadron, part of the Belgian Air Component's 15 Wing at Melsbroek, with transport capacities flexibly shared when needed. This innovative partnership allows Luxembourg to maintain strategic airlift capability without standing up its own heavy transport squadron.

Operational pedigree: In August 2021, the Belgium-Luxembourg A400M fleet was mobilized for evacuation efforts from Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover. While the A400M ultimately transported military equipment rather than passengers during that specific mission, the joint Belgian-Luxembourg air squadron—including two C-130s—successfully evacuated people with ties to both nations and EU partners. By late 2025, the full fleet of eight aircraft (seven Belgian, one Luxembourg) was operational, with CT-02 photographed taking off from Brussels-Zaventem as recently as March 20, 2025. The type officially replaced the C-130H Hercules in Belgian service, ending nearly 50 years of Hercules operations.

About this model: Herpa released CT-02 (item 537865) in September/October 2024 as part of their 1:500 diecast range. The model captures the aircraft in its grey military livery with Belgian markings, accurately replicating the A400M's distinctive proportions—the massive propellers and high-mounted T-tail that make the Atlas instantly recognizable. With an 85mm wingspan, it's a precise miniature of the first A400M to serve Belgium. For collectors of modern military transports, NATO air arms, or aircraft with documented operational histories, this represents the first of its kind for Belgium.

Age 16+ only. Not a toy.