NEWS – Recently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) received the second of the 56 C295 aircraft

HIGHLIGHTS

• About C295 Aircraft:
  • Designed and built by Airbus, the C295 is a new-generation tactical airlifter in the light and medium segment.
  • It serves a wide range of missions, including troop and cargo transport, maritime patrol, surveillance, reconnaissance, signals intelligence, medical evacuation, and more.
• Key Features of C295:
  • Flight endurance of up to 13 hours, capable of operating in all weather conditions.
  • Can carry up to nine tonnes of payload or 71 troops, with a maximum cruise speed of 260 knots.
  • Outstanding low-level flight characteristics, flying at slow speeds of 110 knots.
  • Equipped with a rear ramp door for quick reaction and paradropping of troops and cargo, powered by two turboprop engines.
  • Short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities, capable of using unprepared airstrips.
• Acquisition and Industrial Partnership:
  • India formalized the acquisition of 56 C295 aircraft in September 2021, costing Rs 21,935 crore.
  • Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft from Seville by 2025, while Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) will manufacture and assemble the remaining 40 aircraft in India as part of an industrial partnership.