Summary The C-295 is a multi-role aircraft with diverse capabilities including firefighting role C-295 can carry 71 troops/49 paratroopers, operate off short runways for cargo transport/evacuations Can be converted into a gunship/armed ISR, maritime patrol/anti-submarine warfare, and AWACS variant The CASA C-295 (now the Airbus C295) is a medium tactical transport aircraft first built by the Spanish aerospace company CASA (now part of Airbus ). The first C-295 flew in 1997 and came into service for the Spanish Air Force in 1999. Since then, it has been ordered and put into service in many air forces and configured to perform many different roles.
While the C-295 may not be able to carry as much cargo as some other military transports , it is able to operate in places where others can't. 1 Medium transport The C-295 can carry 71 troops or 49 paratroopers Version: C-295M Personnel capacity: 66 to 71 troops Paratrooper capacity: 46 to 49 paratroopers The primary role of the CASA C-295 is to provide tactical transportation capability for short and medium distances. The Czech Army states it is able to carry up to 66 personnel or up to 46 fully equipped airborne troops (according to Airbus , in its troop passenger configuration, it can accommodate 71 troops or 49 paratroopers).
30 countries around the world now use the C-295 (including the Indian Air Force) . The aircraft can operate off short and unprepared airstrips and is used to supply forward locations that are not accessible for heavier aircraft. It can carry five standard 88" x 108" pallets or eight A-22 containers for cargo transport.
It is also used for medical evacuations and can be fitted with 24 stretchers and seven medical attendants. It is also possible to configure the aircraft for intensive care. These features make the C-17 an invaluable asset for military operations, humanitarian missions, and global response efforts.
2 Gunship/armed ISR The C-295 gunship can carry 16 air-to-ground missiles Version: AC-295 Gunship Example missile set: L-UMTAS laser-guided anti-tank missile + CIRIT 2.75’’ Laser guided missile Cannon: 27mm EO/IR-guided autocannon Lockheed's AC-130J gunship is the most famous ground-attack gunship in the world. However, it is not unique; the C-295 can be converted into a gunship to provide close air support for ground troops, convoys, and facilities.
It is unclear how many, if any, C-295s have been converted for use as gunships. The gunship variant is based on the AC-235 Light Gunship configuration and is outfitted with a set of laser-guided weapons and an EO/IR-guided autocannon to conduct cost-effective close air support (CAS) operations. The C-295 can operate in an armed ISR capacity and perform aerial border surveillance and data dissemination missions.
It has enjoyed 11 hours of endurance in the ISR mission role. The type serves a unique operational purpose. 3 Maritime patrol / anti-submarine warfare The C-295 has 11 hours of endurance in the maritime patrol role Version: C-295 MPA/Persuader Endurance: 11 hours Primary equipment: Airbus’ Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) The US P-8 Poseidon is not the only maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft in town.
The C-295 is also used for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare missions, and according to Airbus , 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 ." The C295 can deploy torpedoes, anti-surface missiles, mines, and depth charges Portugal is one country that uses the aircraft in this capacity to patrol its large Economic Exclusive Zone (including areas around the Azores and Madeira islands). Over in South America, the Chilean Navy and Brazilian Air Force use it for search and rescue missions.
The Canadians plan to rely heavily on it and have 16 ordered for maritime patrol and other missions. The Poseidon is replacing the P-3 Orion for USN antisubmarine warfare duty. We now examine the technologoes that enable this mission.
4 AWACS The C-295 also comes in with an AWACS variant Version: C-295 AEW&C Radar generation: fourth-generation Radar dome: EL/W-2090 360-degree radar dome Airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft are some of the most valuable and rare aircraft, and air forces operate with some of the most highly trained crews. The C-295 also has an AEW version that is equipped with the IAI/ELTA fourth-generation active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar with an integrated IFF as the primary sensor. The C-295's EL/W-2090 360-degree radar dome resembles the US Air Force's E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft.
It is designed to paint a real-time integrated air and maritime situation picture and electronic order of battle. The AESA was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The heavily modified 707 airframe is fitted with imaging equipment for battle management.
5 Firefighting The C-295 can carry 1,850 gallons of water or retardant Version: C-295 Firefighter Capacity: 7,000 liters or 1,850 gallons Note: The largest capacity of any dedicated firefighter Military aircraft can drop missiles, drops, and paratroopers over a hotspot as well as water. The C-295 has a firefighting or water bombing role. Its two internal tanks can carry 7,000 liters of water or retardant—a higher capacity than any other dedicated firefighting aircraft.
The C-295 discharges the water through ventral doors (considered the most efficient firefighting method). Additionally, the internal tanks are roll-on/roll-off, enabling the aircraft to combine its role as a firefighter with its other multirole capabilities. This means it can be a firefighter in the fire season and a transporter at other times.
The Canadian aerial firefighting company will support the area for the next decade..
