C295: the Most Capable and Versatile Tactical “Workhorse”
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C295: the most capable and versatile tactical “Workhorse” January 2018 – The Airbus C295 is a new generation, very robust and reliable, highly versatile tactical airlifter and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) aircraft able to carry up to nine tonnes of payload or up to 71 personnel, at a maximum cruise speed of 260 kt /480 km/h. Fitted with a retractable landing gear and a pressurised cabin, it can cruise at altitudes up to 25,000 ft, while retaining remarkable short take-off & landing (STOL) performance from unprepared, short, or soft airstrips, as well as excellent low level flight characteristics. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop engines, the C295 provides excellent manoeuvrability, outstanding hot and high performance, low fuel consumption and consequently a very long endurance of up to 11 hours in the air. In May 2013 Airbus Defence and Space launched a new version of the C295 with winglets and uprated powerplants which is now the baseline configuration for all C295 models (transport, MPA, AEW etc) except for customers requesting commonality with non-winglet legacy C295 fleets. The same PW127 engines are used but higher power settings have been certified for operational use. The combination of winglets and increased power settings provides in particular: improved take-off performance at hot and high airfields higher cruise altitudes especially at high weights increased endurance reduced overall fuel consumption of between -3% and -6% First delivered in 2001, the C295 is a developed version of the well-known CN235 with many component upgrades, and offers greater capacity and range. Its simple systems design and robustness, its proven in service reliability, excellent flying qualities, and great versatility, as well as its remarkable transport capabilities make it the most efficient “workhorse” with the lowest fuel burn, as well as the best operating and maintenance costs in its category. The civil and military certification of the C295 ensures compliance with international airworthiness regulations and safety standards, including the stringent FAR 25 requirements. At 12.7 m / 41 ft 8 in long, the C295 has the longest unobstructed cabin in its class. It can accommodate up to 71 seats, offering a much higher personnel carrying capability than its competitors in this segment. For the same reason, it can carry much more palletised cargo (up to five 88 inch X 108 inch standard HCU-6E pallets) with direct off-loading through its rear ramp door. Outstanding performance The C295’s STOL capability combined with a strong landing gear enable it to operate in the most austere locations with the worst conditions for take-off and landings. The aircraft is a tactical military transport with a light footprint to enable operations from short (no longer than 670 m / 2,200 ft), or soft (CBR 2) unprepared airstrips. The C295 is also designed to provide Airbus Defence and Space Email: [email protected] 81663 Munich Web: airbus.com Germany Follow us on twitter: @AirbusDefence and @AirbusSpace outstanding low-level flight characteristics for tactical missions, flying at speeds down to 110 kt / 200 km/hr. The C295 has an outstanding track record of reliability. With over 160 aircraft in operation, it has amply demonstrated its worth as a highly efficient “workhorse”. It is in use for numerous kinds of military transport and surveillance, or civic and humanitarian relief operations, in the most varied environments, ranging from desert to mountainous areas, to hot and dry as well as humid or very cold. The robustness and versatility of the C295 make it the ideal platform for numerous types of military, humanitarian and government agency operations for the benefit of society. The aircraft can perform a wide range of missions such as personnel, troop and bulky/palletised cargo transportation to casualty evacuation, communication and logistic duties, search and rescue, surveillance and control, homeland security, or certified air-dropping. It can be rapidly reconfigured between these roles, thus reducing the risk exposure when operating in hostile environments. A key to the aircraft’s unique patrol and surveillance capabilities is the Airbus Defence and Space designed Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) which integrates, controls and displays the mission sensors, enhancing mission awareness and facilitating decision making. Proven with the world’s armed forces The C295 aircraft is combat proven and has successfully completed military missions in a wide range of environments. It routinely operates in the hot and humid conditions of the Brazilian jungle and Colombian mountains, in the dusty and very hot deserts of Algeria and Jordan, and in the extremely cold and icy winters of Poland and Finland. It has been successfully used during long deployments (up to two years, flying up to 90 hours per aircraft per month) in remote areas, such as Chad, Iraq and Afghanistan. The C295 has become the most trusted airlifter in its category, being used either as a single transport type, or as a versatile and efficient complement to heavy airlifters and transport helicopters. Thirty-two nations operate the CN235/295 light/medium airlifters to complement their C-130-class aircraft, including UAE, Brazil, France, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain and Turkey. Being able to operate to and from short or unprepared airstrips, the C295 is used for tactical transport of troops and the required logistic supplies (water, food, ammunition, medical supplies, and spare parts) from the main operating base to forward bases, and among forward locations which are not accessible to current heavier aircraft. It can also airdrop paratroops and loads, with the use of 88in-width platforms and container delivery system (CDS) A22 bundles. The C295 can also be used for casualty or medical evacuation (casevac or medevac) using either basic litters or mobile intensive care units (ICU) with life support equipment. When fitted with the FITS, the C295 is ideal for surveillance (ISR) and control activities. These include antiterrorism, border control and homeland security operations, amongst others. Page 2 of 4 The C295 is also available in an “Anti Submarine Warfare” (ASW) version in service with the Chilean Air Force. Derived from the Surveillance and Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) version of the C295, the C295 ASW is equipped with a tactical system proven during MPA/ASW missions, and under-wing stations to carry weapons and other stores. It represents a modern, risk-free and much more efficient alternative to older generation veterans such as the P-3 Orion or the Bréguet Atlantic, while its operating and maintenance costs are significantly lower. Airbus Defence and Space is now developing an Airborne Early Warning & Command (AEW) version of its C295. The primary sensor of the AEW&C to be fitted into the 6 m / 20 ft rotodome will be the IAI/ELTA 4th Generation Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar with integrated IFF. The C295 AEW&C is to provide high quality 360º surveillance, creating in real-time an integrated Air and Maritime Situation Picture and Electronic Order of Battle. The AEW&C Situation Picture is to be shared with friendly forces via Network Centric data links. A C295 fitted with a rotodome successfully completed flight-trials to demonstrate its aerodynamic suitability and discussions continue with potential launch customers. Other C295 special versions are the gunship to provide close air support to ground troops, convoys, facilities, etc, and tactical aerial refuelling to increase the radius of action for combat SAR or Special Ops helicopters. Working for the benefit of society The C295 is widely used for humanitarian and other non-military operations by a variety of other government agencies. Activities include surveillance and control duties such as search and rescue (SAR), monitoring of illegal immigration, drug smuggling, piracy, illegal fishery, maritime pollution control and deterrence, and monitoring deforestation. Because of its short take-off and landing (STOL) characteristics and ability to use short and unprepared airstrips, the aircraft is also used to bring supplies to people living in remote locations. In the maritime patrol role the Portuguese Air Force, for example, uses the C295 to patrol Portugal’s huge Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ), including areas around the Azores and Madeira islands. The Chilean Navy and Brazilian Air Force also use the C295 for search and rescue (SAR) missions in oceanic areas. Advanced Technology: The C295 is fitted with the Highly Integrated Avionics System (HIAS), an advanced integrated avionics system based on the Thales Topdeck ® Avionics suite. The flexible architecture concept and the use of dual technology civil/military equipment ensure success on demanding tactical missions, growth potential for future equipment as well as compatibility with the latest civil airspace environment. Page 3 of 4 The left engine is fitted with a propeller brake: while on the ground the engine gas generator can function in APU mode with the propeller stopped to deliver electrical power and bleed air for the aircraft systems. The propeller brake system provides the same ground-power functionalities of a conventional on-board APU at a fraction of the cost, weight and complexity. The C295 glass cockpit with digital avionics includes four large active matrix liquid crystal displays (6’’x8’’), fully compatible with night