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The C-295M is EADS CASA twin-turboprop transport aircraft developed by the former Construccionnes Aeronáuticas SA (CASA), based in Madrid and a founder member of the EADS company.
The new C-295 is a stretched derivative of the CN-235 transporter, with characteristic high-wing, rear-loader design. The aircraft is noted for its short take-off and landing capability on semi-prepared runways and for the large payload capacity of 9,250kg. The landing and take-off run of just 320m and 670m allow the aircraft access to runways close to operational or crisis areas or where supplies and troops are needed.
CASA announced the aircraft in June 1997 at the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget and the first production C-295 made its first flight in 1998.The aircraft was granted INTA certification for military operations, and DGAG and FAA (FAR part 25) certification in 1999.
In 1999, the Spanish Ministry of Defence placed a contract for nine C-295M transport aircraft. The aircraft entered service with the Spanish Air Force in November 2001 and delivery of the aircraft completed in 2006. A further two aircraft were ordered in 2005, two in 2006 and two in 2007 to bring the fleet to 15.
Other orders include: Air Force of Poland (eight - deliveries complete), United Arab Emirates Navy (four for maritime patrol), Brazilian Air Force (12 to support the SIVAM Amazon monitoring project, first delivered in October 2006), Swiss Air Force (two), Royal Jordanian Air Force (two), Algerian Air Force (six) and the Finnish Air Force (two).
In April 2005, Venezuela ordered ten C-295 transport aircraft, but the USA denied the export licence necessary for the American content of the aircraft and the order has been revoked. In February 2006, Portugal ordered 12 C-295 aircraft, seven for military transport and five for maritime surveillance. Deliveries began in November 2008.
Poland ordered an additional two aircraft in October 2006 (delivered in September 2007) and two in October 2007 (to be delivered in 2009) to bring its fleet to 12 aircraft. In October 2007, the Chilean Navy purchased three aircraft. The Columbian Air Force ordered four aircraft in November 2007. The Czech Air Force ordered four C-295 aircraft in May 2009. Deliveries began at the end of 2009 and will conclude by the end of 2010.
EADS CASA was teamed with Raytheon to offer the C-295 combined with the CN-235-300 for the US Army / Air Force joint cargo aircraft (JCA) competition. The C-27J was chosen in June 2007.
C-295M cockpit
The flight deck is fitted with dual controls for the pilot and co-pilot. The aircraft is equipped with fully digital integrated TopDeck avionics suite supplied by Thales. The displays, including four 152mm x 203mm (6in x 8in) Thales colour liquid crystal displays, are compatible with Night Vision Goggles (NVG).
"C-295M has short take-off and landing capability on semi-prepared runways."The maritime patrol variant (MP Persuader) can be fitted with EADS CASA FITS mission system.
Aircraft for the UAE Navy are fitted with FITS, which consists of four multi-function consoles and integrates data from sensors including search radar, forward-looking infrared (FLIR), TV cameras or other sensors.
Two head-up displays can also be fitted as an option.
The communications suite includes two or three UHF/VHF radios, a single or dual HF radio and an audio control system. The C-295 is also fitted with a cockpit voice recorder (CVR), identification friend or foe (IFF) system, the flight data recorder (FDR) and an emergency locator transponder (ELT).
The aircraft is equipped with a dual Thales flight management system, controlled through two multifunction controller display units (MCDU), dual air data units type ADU 3000 from Thales, dual attitude heading and reference systems (AHRS), manufactured by Thales, two radar altimeters (radalt) and an optional Honeywell ground proximity warning system.
Other navigation equipment includes two multimode receivers (MMR), two automatic direction finders (ADF), one direction finder (DF) and two distance measuring equipment (DME) units. There are also three possible configurations for long-range and autonomous navigation: two integrated inertial navigation and global positioning systems (INS/GPS), two GPS or two GPS plus one INS/GPS.
The colour weather radar, a Honeywell RDR-I400C, has search, beacon and vertical navigation ground mapping modes. Portuguese Air Force C-295s are fitted with Northrop Grumman AN/APN-241 colour weather radar.
The aircraft can be fitted with alternative communications and navigational systems to suit the customer country's operational requirements. Optional equipment includes an enhanced terrain collision avoidance system (TCAS), tactical air navigation (TACAN), category II instrument landing system, a microwave landing system and satellite communications.
"The C-295M is EADS CASA twin-turboprop transport aircraft."Cabin
The main cabin can be fitted with two or three rows of foldable seats to accommodate 48 fully equipped paratroops or up to 75 troops. There are two paratroop doors, one on each side at the rear part of the cabin. The cabin is fully air conditioned and pressurised.
The cabin can be configured for medical evacuation missions for 27 litters (stretcher patients) and four medical staff. An alternative configuration accommodates an intensive care unit for 12 stretcher patients.
The cabin can be fitted for mixed cargo and passenger transport, or for all cargo operations. A roller loading system is installed and a wide ventral door and cargo ramp in the upswept rear fuselage provide easy cargo access.
The cabin holds up to 57m³ of cargo and can accommodate up to three light vehicles, Land Rovers or equivalent, or five 2.24m × 2.74m (standard 88in × 108in) pallets.
Countermeasures
The C-295 can be fitted with the Indra ALR-300V2B radar warner and BAE Systems ANALE-47 chaff / flares dispenser.
C-295M engines
The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop engines, each rated at 1,972kW and at 2,177kW with auto power reserve. The engines drive six-bladed composite propellers, type HS-568F-5 developed by Hamilton Sundstrand. The blades, of 3.89m diameter, have autofeathering and synchrophasing.
"The cabin holds up to 57m³ of cargo."The aircraft carries a 7,700l fuel load, giving a maximum range of 5,630km.
The aircraft can be equipped with an optional probe for probe and drogue refuelling, so the range can be extended by in-flight refuelling.
Landing gear
The aircraft is fitted with tricycle-type retractable landing gear designed by Messier-Dowty. The landing gear is designed to allow operation from semi-prepared runways, down to runway class CBR-2, and is equipped with levered suspension and oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers.
The main landing gear, each equipped with two wheels in tandem, is installed in fairings on the underside of the fuselage. The gear is fitted with Dunlop hydraulically operated differential disc brakes and an anti-skid system. The steerable nose wheel is fitted with twin wheels.
---------- Post added at 09:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:56 PM ----------
Embraer, one of the world's largest aircraft manufacturers, obtained an order from the Brazilian Air Force for its KC-390 medium-weight military transport jet on 14 April 2009. The new high-wing aircraft is expected to fly in 2012 and enter service in 2015. With the launch of the KC-390, competition in the 20t air transport segment has intensified.
Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica SA) has entered into a $1.3bn contract with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) to provide 23 planes over seven years. Features of the KC-390 will be in compliance with the new National Defense Strategy and meet the needs of the FAB. The new aircraft will replace 22 Lockheed Martin C-130E/H and KC-130 that are currently a part of the FAB.
Embraer president and CEO Frederico Fleury Curado said, "The launch of the KC-390 programme is a new landmark in the historical strategic partnership between the Brazilian Air Force and Embraer."
"The KC-390 is a medium-weight military transport jet."He further stated that the development of the KC-390 will result in an effective cargo and tanker aircraft for the FAB, becoming another successful export platform for both Embraer and Brazil. The KC-390 is expected to change the tactical airlift landscape and will be a direct competitor to Lockheed Martin's successful C-130J.
KC-390 technical details
The twin-turbofan-powered KC-390 can be refuelled in flight and can be used for in-flight or on-ground refuelling of other aircraft. The new 20t jet is technically advanced and has fly-by-wire technology, which optimises mission results thereby reducing pilot workload. It also helps increase the safety and capability for operating on short and rustic runways.
The military aircraft will have a cargo bay equipped with an aft ramp similar to Hercules, and capable of transporting a wide variety of cargo (weighing up to 19t), including armoured vehicles. It will be outfitted with state-of-the-art loading and unloading systems for handling cargo.
A study on the KC-390 (earlier named C-390) aircraft was presented at LAAD 2007. The research and development expenses of C-390 were $600m and shared among Embraer and various partners led by the FAB.
The twin-engine jet-powered Embraer KC-390 also integrates the technological solutions developed for Embraer 190 commercial aircraft. It is expected to carry 84 military personnel and the cargo cabin will be configured for transporting the wounded or sick, on medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions.
"The KC-390 transport jet is the largest and most complicated aircraft ever undertaken by Embraer."Developing the KC-390
The KC-390 is the largest and most complicated aircraft ever undertaken by Embraer. It will also be the Brazilian manufacturer's first new military product in more than a decade. It is expected to be assembled at Embraer's Gavião Peixoto plant in Brazil.
Considering the delays in the production of Airbus A400M military airlifter and the time taken by Lockheed Martin to achieve full operational capability with the C-130J, both Embraer and its competitors say that developing KC-390 will not be easy. Although the Brazilian government will be funding, any delay in the development would weaken Embraer's defence growth.
In the next two years Embraer will complete definition studies, freeze the configuration, and make supplier decisions jointly with the FAB. Participation of other countries and companies in this programme is being evaluated in consultation with the FAB.
The new C-295 is a stretched derivative of the CN-235 transporter, with characteristic high-wing, rear-loader design. The aircraft is noted for its short take-off and landing capability on semi-prepared runways and for the large payload capacity of 9,250kg. The landing and take-off run of just 320m and 670m allow the aircraft access to runways close to operational or crisis areas or where supplies and troops are needed.
CASA announced the aircraft in June 1997 at the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget and the first production C-295 made its first flight in 1998.The aircraft was granted INTA certification for military operations, and DGAG and FAA (FAR part 25) certification in 1999.
In 1999, the Spanish Ministry of Defence placed a contract for nine C-295M transport aircraft. The aircraft entered service with the Spanish Air Force in November 2001 and delivery of the aircraft completed in 2006. A further two aircraft were ordered in 2005, two in 2006 and two in 2007 to bring the fleet to 15.
Other orders include: Air Force of Poland (eight - deliveries complete), United Arab Emirates Navy (four for maritime patrol), Brazilian Air Force (12 to support the SIVAM Amazon monitoring project, first delivered in October 2006), Swiss Air Force (two), Royal Jordanian Air Force (two), Algerian Air Force (six) and the Finnish Air Force (two).
In April 2005, Venezuela ordered ten C-295 transport aircraft, but the USA denied the export licence necessary for the American content of the aircraft and the order has been revoked. In February 2006, Portugal ordered 12 C-295 aircraft, seven for military transport and five for maritime surveillance. Deliveries began in November 2008.
Poland ordered an additional two aircraft in October 2006 (delivered in September 2007) and two in October 2007 (to be delivered in 2009) to bring its fleet to 12 aircraft. In October 2007, the Chilean Navy purchased three aircraft. The Columbian Air Force ordered four aircraft in November 2007. The Czech Air Force ordered four C-295 aircraft in May 2009. Deliveries began at the end of 2009 and will conclude by the end of 2010.
EADS CASA was teamed with Raytheon to offer the C-295 combined with the CN-235-300 for the US Army / Air Force joint cargo aircraft (JCA) competition. The C-27J was chosen in June 2007.
C-295M cockpit
The flight deck is fitted with dual controls for the pilot and co-pilot. The aircraft is equipped with fully digital integrated TopDeck avionics suite supplied by Thales. The displays, including four 152mm x 203mm (6in x 8in) Thales colour liquid crystal displays, are compatible with Night Vision Goggles (NVG).
"C-295M has short take-off and landing capability on semi-prepared runways."The maritime patrol variant (MP Persuader) can be fitted with EADS CASA FITS mission system.
Aircraft for the UAE Navy are fitted with FITS, which consists of four multi-function consoles and integrates data from sensors including search radar, forward-looking infrared (FLIR), TV cameras or other sensors.
Two head-up displays can also be fitted as an option.
The communications suite includes two or three UHF/VHF radios, a single or dual HF radio and an audio control system. The C-295 is also fitted with a cockpit voice recorder (CVR), identification friend or foe (IFF) system, the flight data recorder (FDR) and an emergency locator transponder (ELT).
The aircraft is equipped with a dual Thales flight management system, controlled through two multifunction controller display units (MCDU), dual air data units type ADU 3000 from Thales, dual attitude heading and reference systems (AHRS), manufactured by Thales, two radar altimeters (radalt) and an optional Honeywell ground proximity warning system.
Other navigation equipment includes two multimode receivers (MMR), two automatic direction finders (ADF), one direction finder (DF) and two distance measuring equipment (DME) units. There are also three possible configurations for long-range and autonomous navigation: two integrated inertial navigation and global positioning systems (INS/GPS), two GPS or two GPS plus one INS/GPS.
The colour weather radar, a Honeywell RDR-I400C, has search, beacon and vertical navigation ground mapping modes. Portuguese Air Force C-295s are fitted with Northrop Grumman AN/APN-241 colour weather radar.
The aircraft can be fitted with alternative communications and navigational systems to suit the customer country's operational requirements. Optional equipment includes an enhanced terrain collision avoidance system (TCAS), tactical air navigation (TACAN), category II instrument landing system, a microwave landing system and satellite communications.
"The C-295M is EADS CASA twin-turboprop transport aircraft."Cabin
The main cabin can be fitted with two or three rows of foldable seats to accommodate 48 fully equipped paratroops or up to 75 troops. There are two paratroop doors, one on each side at the rear part of the cabin. The cabin is fully air conditioned and pressurised.
The cabin can be configured for medical evacuation missions for 27 litters (stretcher patients) and four medical staff. An alternative configuration accommodates an intensive care unit for 12 stretcher patients.
The cabin can be fitted for mixed cargo and passenger transport, or for all cargo operations. A roller loading system is installed and a wide ventral door and cargo ramp in the upswept rear fuselage provide easy cargo access.
The cabin holds up to 57m³ of cargo and can accommodate up to three light vehicles, Land Rovers or equivalent, or five 2.24m × 2.74m (standard 88in × 108in) pallets.
Countermeasures
The C-295 can be fitted with the Indra ALR-300V2B radar warner and BAE Systems ANALE-47 chaff / flares dispenser.
C-295M engines
The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop engines, each rated at 1,972kW and at 2,177kW with auto power reserve. The engines drive six-bladed composite propellers, type HS-568F-5 developed by Hamilton Sundstrand. The blades, of 3.89m diameter, have autofeathering and synchrophasing.
"The cabin holds up to 57m³ of cargo."The aircraft carries a 7,700l fuel load, giving a maximum range of 5,630km.
The aircraft can be equipped with an optional probe for probe and drogue refuelling, so the range can be extended by in-flight refuelling.
Landing gear
The aircraft is fitted with tricycle-type retractable landing gear designed by Messier-Dowty. The landing gear is designed to allow operation from semi-prepared runways, down to runway class CBR-2, and is equipped with levered suspension and oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers.
The main landing gear, each equipped with two wheels in tandem, is installed in fairings on the underside of the fuselage. The gear is fitted with Dunlop hydraulically operated differential disc brakes and an anti-skid system. The steerable nose wheel is fitted with twin wheels.
---------- Post added at 09:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:56 PM ----------
Embraer, one of the world's largest aircraft manufacturers, obtained an order from the Brazilian Air Force for its KC-390 medium-weight military transport jet on 14 April 2009. The new high-wing aircraft is expected to fly in 2012 and enter service in 2015. With the launch of the KC-390, competition in the 20t air transport segment has intensified.
Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica SA) has entered into a $1.3bn contract with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) to provide 23 planes over seven years. Features of the KC-390 will be in compliance with the new National Defense Strategy and meet the needs of the FAB. The new aircraft will replace 22 Lockheed Martin C-130E/H and KC-130 that are currently a part of the FAB.
Embraer president and CEO Frederico Fleury Curado said, "The launch of the KC-390 programme is a new landmark in the historical strategic partnership between the Brazilian Air Force and Embraer."
"The KC-390 is a medium-weight military transport jet."He further stated that the development of the KC-390 will result in an effective cargo and tanker aircraft for the FAB, becoming another successful export platform for both Embraer and Brazil. The KC-390 is expected to change the tactical airlift landscape and will be a direct competitor to Lockheed Martin's successful C-130J.
KC-390 technical details
The twin-turbofan-powered KC-390 can be refuelled in flight and can be used for in-flight or on-ground refuelling of other aircraft. The new 20t jet is technically advanced and has fly-by-wire technology, which optimises mission results thereby reducing pilot workload. It also helps increase the safety and capability for operating on short and rustic runways.
The military aircraft will have a cargo bay equipped with an aft ramp similar to Hercules, and capable of transporting a wide variety of cargo (weighing up to 19t), including armoured vehicles. It will be outfitted with state-of-the-art loading and unloading systems for handling cargo.
A study on the KC-390 (earlier named C-390) aircraft was presented at LAAD 2007. The research and development expenses of C-390 were $600m and shared among Embraer and various partners led by the FAB.
The twin-engine jet-powered Embraer KC-390 also integrates the technological solutions developed for Embraer 190 commercial aircraft. It is expected to carry 84 military personnel and the cargo cabin will be configured for transporting the wounded or sick, on medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions.
"The KC-390 transport jet is the largest and most complicated aircraft ever undertaken by Embraer."Developing the KC-390
The KC-390 is the largest and most complicated aircraft ever undertaken by Embraer. It will also be the Brazilian manufacturer's first new military product in more than a decade. It is expected to be assembled at Embraer's Gavião Peixoto plant in Brazil.
Considering the delays in the production of Airbus A400M military airlifter and the time taken by Lockheed Martin to achieve full operational capability with the C-130J, both Embraer and its competitors say that developing KC-390 will not be easy. Although the Brazilian government will be funding, any delay in the development would weaken Embraer's defence growth.
In the next two years Embraer will complete definition studies, freeze the configuration, and make supplier decisions jointly with the FAB. Participation of other countries and companies in this programme is being evaluated in consultation with the FAB.
