The Portuguese Air Force begins receiving EADS C295s for maritime surveillance and transport missions
November 20, 2008
EADS’ Military Transport Aircraft Division this week initiated a fast-paced delivery schedule for 12 C295s that will be deployed by the Portuguese Air Force for maritime surveillance and transport missions.
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Handover of the initial aircraft on November 18 marked the start of a program that will see Portugal receiving one C295 approximately every six weeks. This pace highlights the tactical aircraft production capacity at EADS that enables it to meet customer delivery requirements, and also underscores the company’s ability to provide mission-equipped platforms tailored for demanding maritime patrol/search and rescue operations.
Of the total Portuguese order, five C295s will be outfitted in the VIMAR maritime surveillance version – which incorporates EADS’ Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) – while the other seven will be in the military transport configuration. The C295’s designed-in cabin flexibility, including its rear-mounted ramp, enables the VIMAR maritime surveillance aircraft to be rapidly adapted for transport missions when this capability is needed.
These 12 aircraft will replace Portugal’s inventory of C212s, which have been successfully operated by the country since the 1970s. The C212 was EADS CASA’ first multi-role transport, and it became the cornerstone of a tactical aircraft family that today includes the C295 and CN235.
EADS will provide full in-service support for the Portuguese Air Force’s C295 fleet during a minimum of five years. The acquisition agreement also includes an industrial cooperation component in which EADS’ Military Transport Aircraft Division will assist in the development of Portugal’s aerospace sector.
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