In the light and medium tactical segment Airbus Defence and Space is the world-leader through its models CN235 and C295, now including winglets in its C295 model so it can transport more payload to a longer distance with around a 4% fuel savings . The operational qualities built into all these aircraft make them not only the most capable machines for typical military missions, but also give them the versatility to undertake that growing group of non-defence tasks that may be described as “civic” missions. Over 400 of all versions of CN-235/C-295 are in service and have accumulated more than 500,000 flight hours. Its largest user is Turkey, which has 59 aircraft.
The CASA/IPTN CN-235 is a medium-range twin-engined transport aircraft that was jointly developed by CASA (now part of Airbus Military.) and Indonesian manufacturer IPTN, as a regional airliner and military transport. Its primary military roles include maritime patrol, surveillance, and air transport. The project was a joint venture between Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA (CASA) and Indonesian Aerospace (PT. Dirgantara Indonesia), formerly known as IPTN, which formed Airtech International to manage the programme. The partnership applied only to the Series 10 and Series 100/110, with later versions being developed independently.
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 Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop engines. The C-295 made its maiden flight in 1998. The first order came from the Spanish Air Force.
There are 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. 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.
