home | contact us | sitemap

About Us | Aircraft Family | C-295 Canadian SAR | Integrated Systems | U.S. Coast Guard | Resources

C-295 Canadian SAR

Overview Service experienceSAR walkaround Specifications Performance SAR cabin Cargo configurations

Overview

The C-295 combines a proven, mature and efficient aircraft with the highest Canadian direct content for Canada’s demanding Fixed Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) replacement program mission requirement.

Powered by two highly efficient Pratt & Whitney Canada PW 127-G turboprop engines, the C-295 has an excellent mission reach and endurance.  Its maximum range of about 3,000 naut. mi. puts the full Canadian SAR area of responsibility within one crew day range from the existing SAR bases.  This can be further enhanced by in-flight refuelling, using a removable probe that can be installed on the right upper fuselage.

The C-295’s 41-ft.-long cabin is the largest in its class, providing room for sensor and mission systems, plus crew rest and preparation areas.

Multi-mission capability is enhanced by the rear ramp, which facilitates loading of mission pallets, cargo, passengers, as well as MEDEVAC litters and equipment.  This ramp also is certified for static line parachute egress and 450 lb. aerial delivery by static line.  Para-drop also can be performed through the lateral side door.

Four bubble spotter windows provide excellent visibility, including beneath the aircraft – an advantage already demonstrated during a U.S. Coast Guard HC-144A (CN-235) rescue mission of downed pilots at sea.

The air-operable ramp and two lateral aft parachute doors, in combination with the spotter windows, provide SAR Techs a secure precision parachute delivery platform capable of personnel and equipment drop in all terrain.

The C-295 is a reliable platform well suited for search and rescue operations, and can be outfitted for a full suite of SAR search technology. Airbus Military’s experience in integrating complex sensor and data management systems allows the C-295 to be customized directly according to Canada’s requirements.

Proven and operated daily in the most challenging environments worldwide, the C-295 design enables operations in storm force winds, with a crosswind limit of 30 kts. and airport winds in excess of 60 kts. – each of which are considered standard for North Atlantic and Arctic SAR operations.

Multi-mission capabilities

Designed as an all-rounder, the C-295 serves in numerous missions worldwide. Conversion from cargo to passengers to medevac or similar roles is quickly and easily conducted. A four-row roller system similar to the one found in the Hercules, allows quick roll-on/roll-off of palletized cargo or palletized mission configuration, such as a mission system.

With its troop seats folded, the Airbus Military C-295's reconfigurable cabin allows for the storage of five NATO-standard pallets. A fully-palletised intensive care unit can be loaded for MEDEVAC or medical transport while securing the highest medical attention. The C-295 routinely deploys cargo and personnel through ramp or side doors, excelling in extreme scenarios, such as low-level palletised cargo extraction.

Extended Endurance

  • The C-295 has an endurance of 12 hours. This compares to 6.5 hours for the CC-115 Buffalo and is close to the 13-hour endurance of the larger C-130.
  • The C-295 has unique capabilities for missions requiring extended endurance.
  • Its response time for embarking on missions is superior. Compared to other aircraft, it can be deployed very quickly after a SAR mission is launched.
  • In-flight refuelling capability also allows the C-295 to remain on station longer during critical missions; hot refuelling to full tanks in just nine minutes.