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C295 Canadian SAR

Overview Service experienceSAR walkaround Specifications Performance SAR cabin Cargo configurations

Interoperable

The C295's right-sized cargo cabin can carry the same pallets as the CH-47 helicopter, providing efficient interoperability with Canada's future rotary-wing fleet.

In addition, the availability of a new autonomous pallet transfer system – developed specifically by Airbus Military for C295 operations at remote locations further facilitates the aircraft's cargo handling capabilities.

Pallet compatibility with C295 and CH-47

The match-up of the C295's cargo cabin cross-section with that of the CH-47 allows the direct transfer of standard military pallets between the two aircraft without the need to reconfigure cargo loads. Tandem operations of the C295 and CH-47 speeds up cargo deliveries, reduces troop vulnerability and protects cargo shipments.

The C295's optimized cabin height enables the easy loading of 62-in.-tall pallets – the maximum for a CH-47 – eliminating the wasted overhead volume on other aircraft with taller, but shorter, cargo boxes.


 C295/CH-47 pallet transfer system

Airbus Military has developed a portable and extremely capable autonomous pallet loading system that enables cargo and material to be efficiently handled at airfields and remote locations. It facilitates the rapid transfer of pallets between the C295 and other aircraft – in particular the CH-47 helicopter - as well as ground vehicles.

  • Created specifically for field operations, the pallet transfer system's compact design enables it to be carried on the rear ramp of the C295. This keeps the main cabin completely free to carry mission equipment or four standard 463L pallets.

  • Empty weight of the pallet transfer system is 1,815 lb., and it can accommodate pallets weighing up to 6,600 lb. The system is dimensioned for standard 463L pallets, and is operated by a portable console that provides intuitive controls for speed, pallet height and pallet inclination.

  • The pallet transfer system's ease of operation with the C295 and CH-47 Chinook helicopters has been shown in full-scale loading demonstrations. The aircraft-to-aircraft transfer process took only a few minutes.

  • Powered by four 12-Volt electrolyte batteries, the hydraulically operated pallet transfer system has an operating time between charges of three hours. One set of wheels on the system can be steered to 45 deg. off axis, providing precise alignment with the cargo ramp for the horizontal pallet transfer operation.