Sculthorpe was treated to a visit from a ‘beast’ of an aircraft.

The RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre in Wicken Green witnessed the RAF A400M Atlas aircraft fly overhead on Thursday, February 25.

The aircraft, which is 147ft long and has a wingspan of almost 140ft, has the ability to carry a 37-tonne payload and can carry up to 116 fully equipped soldiers, as well as vehicles.

Eastern Daily Press: The RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre witnessed the RAF A400M Atlas aircraft fly overheadThe RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre witnessed the RAF A400M Atlas aircraft fly overhead (Image: Kevin.J.Osman kevin.osman01@talktalk.co.uk)

The Heritage Centre photographer captured the A400 cruising past the ATC.

The centre’s curator, Ian Brown said: “It was fantastic to see this beast of an aircraft arrive at Sculthorpe for the first time for a while.

“It looks like Sculthorpe will be busy this year with the upcoming exercises in March.”

Eastern Daily Press: The RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre witnessed the RAF A400M Atlas aircraft fly overheadThe RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre witnessed the RAF A400M Atlas aircraft fly overhead (Image: Kevin.J.Osman kevin.osman01@talktalk.co.uk)

The airfield near the centre is often used for training exercises.

Eastern Daily Press: The RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre witnessed the RAF A400M Atlas aircraft fly overhead.The RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre witnessed the RAF A400M Atlas aircraft fly overhead. (Image: Kevin.J.Osman)