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Airbus Military / EADS CASA C-295

2001 MODERN AIRCRAFT

Airbus Military History / EADS CASA C-295

In 1988, Spain and Indonesia jointly launched the CN-235 high-wing, propeller-driven tactical transport aircraft, resulting in 273 built under the CASA/IPTN brand. A subsequent new initiative transformed the twin-turboprop system into a C-295 elongated fuselage (six full frames added, three forward and three rear), increasing internal transport capacity by 50 percent. To deal with the additional weight gain, a new Pratt & Whitney PW127G series turboprop was installed, with strengthened wings and landing gear. Additional fuel reserves have also been added to increase combat range. The cockpit uses four LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays) and supports NVG (Night Vision Goggles) and HUD (Heads Up Display).

Development of the C-295 began in November 1996 and was unveiled at the Paris Air Show the following year, before being introduced by the Spanish Air Force in 2001. The aircraft is still in service with more than a dozen air forces around the world.

The prototype flew for the first time on November 28, 1997 to prove the design sound and production has been going on since 1997, with over 100 delivered.

CASA has since been part of the EADS brand label and now itself operates under the reformed Airbus military name. The aircraft will be built at Airbus Military's factory in Spain.

The C-295 is piloted by two pilots, adding mission specialists based on cargo transport and mission roles. The internal cargo compartment can accommodate up to 71 combat readiness troops or a 20,400-pound cargo payload. The dimensions of the aircraft include a length of 80.2 feet, a wingspan of 84.7 feet and a height of 28.2 feet. Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is 51,145 lbs.

Power comes from 2 Pratt & Whitney PW127G turboprop engines, each producing 2,645 horsepower while driving a six-bladed propeller. Performance includes a top speed of 360 mph, a cruising speed of 300 mph, a ferry range of 3,300 miles and a service ceiling of 30,000 feet.

The high-wing design method has good lift characteristics and stability in low-altitude flight. The fuselage has a unique tubular shape, and the cockpit is mounted above the short nose, providing good visibility from the cockpit.

The stern is raised for better access to the rear loading ramp located below the stern. The tail consists of a vertical tail and a low-mounted horizontal plane. The landing gear is fully retractable, and the main legs are located under the curved section of the fuselage.

Variants include basic military models such as the C-295M. The locally produced Indonesian brands are NC-295 and CN-295. The C-295 MPA Persuader is a maritime patrol variant with six hardpoints for anti-submarine missions. The model is available for purchase from the UK and is already in service with the Chilean Navy, and another deal is in the works with an unnamed NATO member. Another version is equipped with Israeli AESA radars for airborne early warning and control (AEW&C = "AWACs") roles and remains in prototype form - it was unveiled at the 2011 Royal International Air Tattoo Show with a radome mounted on the rear of the fuselage . The C-295W features winglets on the main aircraft wingtips and improved engine mounting.

The brand is still in its final stages of development.