CASA C-295
| C-295 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| A Polish Air Force C-295M | |
| Role | Transport aircraft |
| Manufacturer |
Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA EADS CASA Airbus Defence and Space |
| First flight | November 28, 1997 |
| Introduction | 2001 |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users |
Mexican Air Force Polish Air Force Egyptian Air Force |
| Produced | 1997–present |
| Number built | 136 |
| Unit cost |
$28 million
|
| Developed from | CASA CN-235 |
The EADS CASA C-295 is a twin-turboprop tactical military transport aircraft, and is currently manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space in Spain.
The C-295 is manufactured and assembled in the Airbus Military facilities in the San Pablo Airport, in Seville, Spain. It is a development of the Spanish – Indonesian transport aircraft CASA/IPTN CN-235, but with a stretched fuselage, 50% more payload capability and new PW127G turboprop engines. The C-295 made its maiden flight in 1998. The first order came from the Spanish Air Force.
In 2012, EADS announced several enhancements to the base C-295 design, changes included the adoption of winglets and an ability to carry the Marte anti-ship missile; a dedicated airborne early warning and control variant was also planned. In November 2015, a C-295 successfully demonstrated a new self-protection suite, which incorporated elements such as directional infrared countermeasures from Elbit Systems and infrared passive airborne warning system. In January 2016, Airbus was in the process of developing a new hose-and-drogue in-flight refuelling rig to be optionally installed in the centerline of the C295, this capability is being promoted for the aerial refuelling of combat helicopters, initial 'dry' flight tests are scheduled later in the year; Airbus is also performing flap optimisations and other modifications upon the type for extreme takeoff and vertical landing capabilities.
The C-295 is in service with the armed forces of 15 countries. As of 31 August 2015, 136 C295s have been contracted: 134 are in service and two were lost in accidents.
The C-295 was a major bidder for the US Army–US Air Force Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) which was awarded to the L-3 Communications/Alenia team on June 13, 2007. The C-295 was considered a higher risk by the Army due to its use of a new operational mode to meet altitude and range requirements.
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