Airbus Military has launched a significantly-improved performance version of the C295 tactical transport aircraft.
The C295W – the ‘W’ signifying the addition of winglets – will offer a one tonne increase in payload, 10 per cent greater range and a 30-minute increase in time-on-station for surveillance models from fuel savings of up to six per cent.
With uprated Pratt & Whitney engines, the aircraft will be particularly suited to hot and high operations from unprepared strips. The lift-enhancing winglet design substantially increases the aircraft’s climb capabilities while payload at 25,000ft has been enhanced by 1,500kg.
The C295W, which will enter production shortly towards an expected service entry date of the latter half of 2014, will be offered as the standard C295 product.
The current-model C295 was overlooked by the RAAF in favour of the C-27J Spartan as the replacement for the Caribou transport aircraft.
