Who makes C-295 aircraft?
Spanish aircraft manufacturer Constructio Aeronauticas SA produces C295 aircraft. This company is now part of Airbus and the aircraft are manufactured at Airbus plants in Spain. In September 2021, India signed a deal worth Rs 21,935 crore with Airbus Defense and Space. Under this, 56 C295 aircraft will be purchased to replace the aging Avro-748 aircraft of the Indian Air Force. Avro-748 aircraft entered service in the early 1960s.
What is the deal with India?
Under the agreement, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in ‘fly-away’ condition from its final assembly line in Seville, Spain, within four years. The remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured in India by TASL. This is part of the business deal between the two companies.
When will the planes be ready?
The 16 ‘fly-away’ aircraft will be delivered between September 2023 and August 2025. On 13 September 2023, the Indian Air Force has received the first of 56 aircraft in Spain. The first India-made aircraft will roll out of the manufacturing unit in September 2026 and the remaining 39 aircraft will be produced by August 2031.
Technology features of C295 aircraft
The C295MW is a transport aircraft with a carrying capacity of 5 to 10 tonnes and a maximum speed of 480 km per hour. It has a rear ramp door for instant response, para-dropping of troops and cargo. This aircraft can fly and land from short distances. According to Airbus, the dimensions of the aircraft’s cabin are 12.7 meters or 41 feet and eight inches. The company claims that this aircraft can accommodate 71 seats. The C295 can carry more cargo than other aircraft and can be unloaded directly from the rear ramp.
Planes will have electronic war suits
All 56 aircraft will be equipped with indigenous electronic warfare suite which will be developed by Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited. Former Defense Secretary Ajay Kumar has said that the indigenous content in the aircraft will be the highest ever in India, and 96 per cent of the work that Airbus does in Spain to produce the aircraft will be done in Vadodara.
Aircraft have been deployed in these countries
According to Airbus, the C295 operates in the Brazilian jungles and Colombian mountains in South America, the deserts of Algeria and Jordan in the Middle East, and the cold climate of Poland and Finland in Europe. The aircraft have also flown military operations in Chad, Iraq and Afghanistan.
What a milestone for India?
C295 aircraft can easily reach troops in remote areas and deliver essential goods and services. It can also operate on small, unprepared airstrips as it is capable of short take-off and landing (STOL). Airbus says it can only operate from short runways up to 2200 feet long. It can be used for medical aid, special missions, disaster response and maritime patrol.