Service experience

Airbus Military to offer truly proven, off-the-shelf customized solutions for any and each requirement. The CN235 and its evolvement, the modern C295 have established themselves as leaders in their respective classes, no matter what role.

Customers around the world profit from Airbus Military’s 85 years of experience in designing, building and modifying military aircraft. Flying on all continents in all roles, Airbus Military aircraft are serving operators daily in the most challenging environments.

The United States Coast Guard selected Airbus Military’s CN235 – which is designated the HC144A Ocean Sentry – for its Atlantic and Pacific missions.

In Canada, a variety of Airbus Military aircraft are in operations from training aircraft for Air Cadets to the Air Force’s CC-150 Polaris strategic air-to-air refuelling aircraft. C212 aircraft based in Yellowknife conduct geophysical survey while other C212 are used by the Army Skyhawks parachute team as preferred platform to conduct their well-known performances. Additionally,
the CN235 received Department of Transport Canada certification when it successfully passed cold-weather trials in Resolute Bay in 1992. Based on this certification, the CN235 and C295 today operate as Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) aircraft in the most demanding climatic conditions.

Airbus Military's 30-year experience in designing and manufacturing SAR aircraft provide globally unparalleled experience. In particular, the CN235 and its logical evolution, the modern C295 have established themselves as leader in their class, no matter what role or what continent. The large customer base of CN235 and C295 aircraft provides Airbus Military invaluable feedback regarding operational experience which is continuously converted into product improvements.

In FWSAR, the CN235 and the C295 are customers’ first choices around the world when the mission requires a multi-purpose, proven and reliable military aircraft capable of operating in the harshest environments. Through Airbus Military’s experience in integrating complex sensors and data management systems, the CN235 and C295 combine the most robust airframe with the most modern search technology available in FWSAR. Twelve operators of three different platforms chose Airbus Military to integrate our data management system and a variety of search sensors in their aircraft, offering truly customized solutions.

Airbus Military's open production line, combined with its experience in integrating complex sensors and data management systems translate into predictable delivery schedules. A C295 in full SAR configuration can be delivered within 18-24 months after contract award. With training & simulation provided by CAE, an initial operational capability can be achieved in parallel to first delivery. Delivery time of a C295 in basic transport configuration logically is less.

Select operators of Airbus Military aircraft

Acquired after extensive cold weather trials, the Finnish Air Force's C295 operates year-round from austere airfields north of the Arctic Circle.	The Colombian Navy placed a repeat order for an additional CN235 to reinforce its capabilities for maritime surveillance, SAR, law enforcement and anti-terrorism.	The Spanish Guardia Civil chose the CN235 as its primary aircraft for SAR and maritime patrol, including control of illegal immigration and trafficking.

Operating two CN235s since the early 1990s, the Irish Air Corps has upgraded its aircraft in preparation for future missions and challenges in the North Atlantic area.	The Spanish Maritime Safety Agency selected the CN235 as its primary aircraft for maritime SAR, humanitarian aid and marine pollution control.	The Brazilian Air Force replaced its DHC-5 Buffalos with Airbus Military's C295, and conducts activity over the Atlantic Ocean and in the Amazonian region.

The Portuguese Air Force has ordered 12 C295s, with five serving as primary maritime surveillance, SAR, and marine pollution control aircraft.	The Mexican Navy's C212s enhance this military service's capabilities to conduct drug trafficking control and maritime patrol missions.	The Chilean Navy chose several C295s in different roles. The aircraft replacing its P-3 fleet are equipped for maritime patrol with an integrated mission system.

The Polish Air Force has utilised its C295 aircraft for paratroop missions, with personnel deployed from the lateral parachute doors and rear ramp.

Latest news

• July 29, 2010
  Airbus Military delivers the first CN235-300 MPA for Colombia

SAR walkaround

PW127G overview