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The Airbus C295 (previously CASA C-295) is a medium tactical transport aircraft that was designed and initially manufactured by the Spanish aerospace company CASA, which is now part of the European multinational Airbus Defence and Space division.
Work on what would become the C-295 was started during the 1990s as a derivative of the successful CASA/IPTN CN-235 transport aircraft. On 28 November 1997, the prototype performed its maiden flight; quantity production commenced shortly thereafter. In April 1999, the Spanish Air Force became its launch customer with an order for nine military-configured C-295s; two years later, the type was declared operational with the service. Further orders for the C-295 would promptly follow. Following the incorporation of CASA into the pan-European aeronautical group EADS in 2000, it was redesignated as the EADS CASA C-295. EADS rebranded itself as Airbus in 2015.
Both manufacturing and final assembly of the C-295 is normally performed at the Airbus Defence and Space facilities in San Pablo Airport, located in Seville, Spain.[2][3] Additional manufacturing arrangements have been agreed with some customers. Since 2011, Indonesian Aerospace has produced the CN-295 under license at their facilities in Bandung, Indonesia, via an industrial collaboration with Airbus Defence & Space.[4] During 2021, it was agreed that, as a part of a larger purchase, a batch of 40 C-295s would be license-manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems.[5]
Beyond its use as a tactical transporter, the C-295 is capable of performing a wide variety of missions effectively. These include parachute and cargo dropping, electronic signals intelligence (ELINT), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), and maritime patrol. Some of the equipment for adapting the aircraft to performing various roles has been mounted onto pallets, allowing for its rapid installation and removal. On account of the lack of sales achieved by the CN-235 in the commercial aviation segment, although civil certification was obtained as to facilitate its use by government agencies, a commercial version of the C-295 was not pursued for some time by the company. It was not until 2017, over a decade after military-orientated C-295s had entered regular service, that the first contract for a civilian C-295 was finalised.
During November 1996, the Spanish aerospace company CASA formally started development work on the C-295. It was derived from the CASA/IPTN CN-235, a Spanish–Indonesian transport aircraft; its principal differences were its stretched fuselage, a 50% increase in payload capacity and the adoption of more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127Gturboprop engines. On 28 November 1997, the first prototype made its maiden flight.[1] During April 1999, it was announced that the C-295's first order had been placed by the Spanish Air Force, which sought nine military transport aircraft. During December 1999, it was certificated as airworthy by both the Spanish Dirección General de Aviación Civil and the American Federal Aviation Administration. In November 2001, deliveries began to the Spanish Air Force.[1]
Further development
During June 2012, Airbus Military announced several enhancements to the base C-295 design, changes included the adoption of winglets and an ability to carry the Marteanti-ship missile; a dedicated airborne early warning and control variant was also planned.[6] In November 2015, a C-295 successfully demonstrated a new self-protection suite, which incorporated elements such as directional infraredcountermeasures from Elbit Systems and infrared passive airborne warning system.[7] During January 2016, Airbus was in the process of developing a new probe-and-drogue aerial refuelling rig to be optionally installed in the centerline of the C295, facilitating the aerial refuelling of helicopters. Furthermore, the company was also implementing flap optimisations and other modifications upon the type to enable it to perform extremely short takeoff and landing capabilities.[8][9] In November 2019, it was announced that Airbus had selected Collins Aerospace to integrate its Pro Line Fusion flight deck onto future C-295s, which shall reportedly reduce pilot workload and easily facilitate further upgrades via its modular design.[10]
In January 2022, it was announced that Airbus had flown its C295 Flight Test Bed 2 Sky 2 for the first time; development of this upgraded aircraft was funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research program and it is intended to test various technologies related to future regional multi-mission aircraft. Modifications include a high-efficiency semi-morphing wing, dynamic winglets, a flat panel SATCOM antenna integrated into the upper fuselage, along with innovative flight controls for the primary control surfaces to achieve improved aerodynamics and contribute to a more efficient high-lift system. New materials and technologies were used to reduce the emission of CO2, NOx, and noise alike; Airbus aims for 43% CO2 and 70% NOx reductions to be achieved in a typical search-and-rescue mission of 400 nautical miles, as well as 45% less noise during takeoff.[11][12]
Design
The EADS CASA C-295 is a tactical transport aircraft, designed for the movement of personnel and cargo within military conditions. Accordingly, it can be operated from austere airstrips with minimal reliance on ground support infrastructures; it can reportedly be operated on soft ground without major issues even when heavily loaded. It has an auto-reverse capability, being able to turn 180º on runways as narrow as 12 meters wide. The dimensions of its cargo hold, 12.69 × 1.90 × 2.70 meters, are roughly three meters longer in comparison to the preceding CN-235. It has sufficient volume to carry up to 71 soldiers, 24 stretchers along with up to seven medical attendants, five standard 108" pallets of cargo, or three Land Rover-sized light vehicles. It is suitable for airdropping paratroopers and cargo on 88-inch-wide platforms.[13]
The cockpit of the C-295 is furnished with dual controls, having been intended to be flown by a pilot and a co-pilot. It is typically equipped with the Highly Integrated Avionics System (HIAS), based on the digital Topdeck suite produced by the French avionics firm Thales. It also features an Integrated Engine Data and Warning System that manages the engine and fuel systems and alerts pilots to detected faults along with other key information. A Honeywell RDR-1400C weather radar is also typically installed to facilitate instrument flight rules (IFR) operations. The avionics have been designed so that the aircraft can also be operated according to civil standards as well as military ones, including the stringent FAR-25 requirements.[13]
Typically, the C-295 is powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop engines, each capable of providing up to 2,645 SHP (1,972kW). These feature a modular design that facilitates easy access and reduced maintenance requirements, reportedly enabling up to 10,000 flight hours of uninterrupted operation before requiring servicing. The normal propellers used are six-bladed scimitar-shaped units, having a diameter of 3.89 meters and built from composite materials by Hamilton Standard.[citation needed]
The C-295 is equipped with a retractable undercarriage in a tricycle configuration, designed by Messier-Dowty. Two side fairings on the lower part of the fuselage accommodate the retracted main landing gear, while an alcove almost directly beneath the cockpit houses the forward landing gear. The undercarriage is durable enough to enable operations from semi-prepared runways. It is equipped with oleo-pneumaticshock absorbers, disc brakes capable of differential braking, and an anti-skid system.[citation needed]
Operational history
The first order for the C-295 was for the Spanish Air Force: during 2000, the Future Medium Transport Aircraft II (FATAM II) program was launched, under which a batch of nine C-295s was ordered to take the place of eight CN-235s that had been converted from general transports into maritime patrol and search-and-rescue aircraft, their reassignment having noticeably depleted the service's medium transport fleet.[14]
The first export customer of the C-295 was the Polish Air Force, initially ordering eight aircraft in 2001, with deliveries commencing two years later. The service bought the type to supplement and eventually replace their Cold War-era Antonov An-26 transports. Further C-295s were ordered by Poland, including to two each in both 2006 and 2007.[15] In June 2012, another five aircraft were ordered,[16] all of which were delivered by the end of 2013.[17] Polish C-295s are typically based at Kraków-Balice Air Base. They have participated in overseas activities, including NATO operations, such as humanitarian air efforts in Kosovo in 2020.[18] A single C-295 is routinely deployed as a support aircraft for the Orlik Aerobatic Team, the Polish Air Force's aerial display unit.[19] One aircraft crashed on 23 January 2008.
Another key country for the C-295 has been Indonesia. Indonesian Aerospace (Indonesian: PT Dirgantara Indonesia), which also locally manufactured the CN-235, performs the final assembly of C-295s for customers within Indonesia.[20] The company has been keen to secure a license that would allow it to produce the aircraft for export customers outside of the domestic market, although Airbus has been allegedly reluctant to agree terms for such an extension.[21] In September 2012, the first part of C-295s were delivered to the Indonesian Air Force. Further aircraft has since been delivered to the service to replace the aged Fokker F27 fleet for tactical and logistical transport duties.[22][23][24]
During the 2010s, Egypt became the largest operator of the C-295, having a fleet of 21 aircraft as of April 2021.[25] In October 2010, the order of an initial three aircraft for tactical and logistical transport by Egypt was announced.[26] The first delivery was on 24 September 2011.[27] During January 2013, a follow-on order was signed for six more aircraft[28] and a further eight was ordered on 16 July 2014.[29] In early 2021, Egypt signed a five-year performance-based servicing agreement with Airbus regarding its C-295 fleet, which included the provision of material services, on-site support, and on-wing maintenance activities.[25]
During the 2020s, India stated its intent to place the largest single order for the type; the Cabinet Committee on Security approved the ordering of 56 C-295Ws to equip the Indian Air Force in September 2021.[30] Of these, it is planned for 16 aircraft to be delivered in flyaway condition from Spain within 48 months of the contract's signing, while a further 40 aircraft are to be manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems Limited within the following ten years.[5][31]
While the vast majority of C-295 sales have been to military operators, it has been certified for civil purposes as well. During August 2018, it was announced that the Irish leasing company Stellwagen Group has leased a single C-295 to DAC Aviation International, it being the first civil operator of the type in Africa.[35][36] This aircraft has participated in humanitarian operations, such as the delivery of anti-cholera kits, food, water, sanitation, and hygiene goods to Mozambique.[37]
The C-295 MPA was a candidate to replace the German Navy's P-3C maritime patrol aircraft, possibly as a stopgap solution from 2025 to 2032.[42] During 2021, it was speculated that a combined order with Spain could be achieved.[43] However, during July 2021, Germany announced that it had ordered five P-8 Poseidons to fulfill this need.[44] In June 2023, Spain approved the purchase of 16 C295W, six in the maritime patrol configuration, and ten in the maritime surveillance configuration.[45][46]
Military transport version. Capacity for 71 troops, 48 paratroops, 27 stretchers, five 2.24 × 2.74m (88 × 108inches) pallets, or three light vehicles.[1]
Upgraded model, equipped with wingtip devices (winglets) to improve performance in the takeoff, climb, and cruise phases of flight by increasing the lift-drag ratio.[57][58]
C-295 ISR
Armed variant equipped with machine guns, small-caliber automatic cannons, rocket launchers, laser-guided bombs, and anti-tank missiles.[59][60]
The C-295 is in service with the armed forces of 15 countries. By 31 August 2015, 136 C-295s had been ordered with 134 in service and two lost in accidents.[22]
The Brazilian Air Force received 13 C-295s, designated C-105A Amazonas, to replace their ageing DHC-5/C-115 Buffalo transports. Additional orders are to raise the total to 15 by 2020.[64][70][71]
The Royal Brunei Air Force is to become the 39th operator of the C-295 aircraft worldwide and the eighth in the Asia-Pacific region. A total of 4 aircraft have been ordered and the first two will be delivered in January 2024.[72][73][74]
The Royal Canadian Air Force ordered 16 CC-295s in 2016 to replace its ageing fleet of CC-115 Buffalos and older-model C-130H Hercules search and rescue aircraft.[38][39] All aircraft were expected to be delivered by the end of 2022.[76] However, initial operating capability is delayed until 2025/26.[77] Additional trainer aircraft for maintenance personnel arrived in 2020 without SAR equipment.
The Colombian Aerospace Force operates six C-295s; the last of the original four was delivered in April 2009. The fifth aircraft was ordered in September 2012 and delivered 14 March 2013.[22] The sixth aircraft was ordered in January 2013, entering service before 31 August 2015.[22]
The Czech Air Force ordered four C-295 to replace their fleet of Antonov An-26s, all having been delivered in 2010. They are based at Kbely Air Force Base.[78] Two more were ordered in 2017.[79]
The Indonesian Air Force operates 10 C-295s for tactical and logistical transport. One of them are of the maritime patrol variant, having replaced its elderly Fokker F27 Friendships.
The Irish Air Corps ordered two C-295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft in December 2019 to replace their CN-235 aircraft.[90] On 27 June 2023, the Irish Air Corps took delivery of their first C-295 aircraft.[91] In March 2023, a contract was signed for a third C-295 Military Transport Aircraft variant with delivery expected in 2025.[citation needed]
The Polish Air Force has received 17 C-295s, one of which has been lost in a crash. The service is the first export customer for the aircraft, first ordering it in 2001.[15]
In June 2023 Spain ordered 16 new C295Ws, 6 MPA or Maritime Patrol configuration and 10 MSA or Maritime Surveillance configuration, these aircraft will replace the recently retired P-3 Orion and the CN-235D.4 of the Spanish Air and Space Force.[45][46]
In the Mirosławiec air accident on 23 January 2008, a Polish Air Force C-295 flying from Warsaw via Powidz and Krzesiny to Mirosławiec crashed during its approach to the 12th Air Base near Mirosławiec.[113] All 20 people on board were killed in the accident.[114] All Polish C-295s were grounded after the incident.[115] Polish defence minister Bogdan Klich dismissed five air force personnel after the accident investigation, which concluded that multiple failings contributed to 23 January crash.[116]
On 31 October 2011, the Czech Army grounded its fleet of four C-295Ms due to an in-flight equipment failure onboard one aircraft. While landing, one of its two engines stopped working. Prior to this, a cockpit display and other equipment had also failed. The plane landed safely on its remaining engine. General Vlastimil Picek ordered the grounding of all aircraft until an inquiry ended. The fleet was previously grounded in February 2011, following a severe drop in altitude in mid-flight, and again in May due to avionics problems.[117]
On 9 November 2012, an Algerian Air Force C-295 crashed in the Lozère region of southern France while flying from Paris to Algeria with the loss of all six people on board.[118]
Specifications (C-295M)
EADS CASA C-295Cargo cabin transporting a Polish military Honker light vehicle
Data fromJane's All the World's Aircraft 2004-05[119]
General characteristics
Crew: 2
Capacity: 73 troops / 48 paratroops / 12 stretcher intensive care medevac / 27 stretcher medevac with 4 medical attendants
Take-off distance to 15m (49ft): 1,025m (3,363ft) Sea level, ISA
1,103m (3,619ft) Sea level, ISA + 20
Landing run: 420m (1,378ft)
Landing distance from 15m (49ft): 729m (2,392ft)
Armament
Hardpoints: six (optional: three under each wing) with a capacity of inboard pylons 800kg (1,764lb); centre pylons 500kg (1,102lb); outboard pylons 300kg (661lb)
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Jackson, Paul, ed. (2003). Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Information Group. ISBN0-7106-2537-5.
Munson, Kenneth (November 2008). "Andalusian Airlifter – CASA C-295". Air International. Vol.75, no.5. pp.32–37.
Further reading
Rebelo, Colonel PILAV Hélder Martins; Rocha, Major NAV Rui; Martins, Major NAV Vítor Lazera (November–December 2012). "ISR – A exploração integrada dos sistemas de armas C-295M e P-3C/CUP+"[ISR – The integrated exploration of the C-295M and P-3C/CUP+ weapon systems](PDF). Mais Alto (in Portuguese) (400): 5–16. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
External links
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