NB Explains | IAF’s first C-295 MW transport aircraft inducted: What makes the aircraft special?

NewsBharati 25-Sep-2023 12:47:12 PM

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New Delhi, Sept 25: To boost IAF’s tactical airlift capability, the first C-295 medium tactical transport aircraft was inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Hindon Air Base on Monday. The induction took place in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The first C-295 aircraft was inducted into Squadron No. 11 of the IAF. It is one of the oldest squadrons of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and is currently based at Vadodara Air Force Station. It was unveiled at the hangar after two sliding screens, bearing '11 SQN: Pioneers of C-295 MW', 'Rhinos: The Trailblazers of C-295 MW', and image of the newly-inducted aircraft, moved sideways. One-horned rhino is the emblem of Sqn. No. 11.

The C-295s will gradually replace IAF’s ageing Avro 748 fleet in 2030-31 period.

But what makes C- 295 MW transport aircraft so special?

The military transport aircraft has a capacity of 10 tonnes and can speed up to a maximum of 480 kmph.
Robust and reliable, it is a versatile and efficient tactical transport aircraft which can perform a number of different missions including disaster response and maritime patrol duties.
The C-295 aircraft, with a flight endurance of up to 11 hours, can carry out multi-role operations under all weather conditions.
C-295 can routinely operate day as well as night combat missions from desert to maritime environments.
C-295 has a rear ramp door for quick reaction and para-dropping of troops and cargo.
The C-295 transport aircraft has the special capability of Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) and can lift even from grass, soft or unpaved surfaces. It can take off from just a 2,200-feet airstrip too
The C-295 MW can transport 71 troops, 50 paratroopers, five standard pallets and 24 healthcare units
The C-295 can be used for mid-air refuelling of fixed-wing aircrafts and helicopters

A game changer for #IAF and #AatmanirbhartainDefence-
Tata & @AirbusDefence to manufacture C-295MW transport aircraft in India.
What makes the aircraft special? Check out here⬇️@rajnathsingh @IAF_MCC @drajaykumar_ias @DefProdnIndia @TataCompanies #IAFTransportAircraft pic.twitter.com/W30131dcVc
— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) October 29, 2022

Timeline

The contract, amounting Rs 22,000 crore was signed in September 2021, between the Ministry of Defence and the European aerospace/defense major Airbus. Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in 'fly-away' condition from its final assembly line in Seville, Spain and the subsequent 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled in India.

The C-295 aircraft to replace its ageing Avro--748 fleet that entered service over six decades back.

Earlier, on September 20, the C-295 aircraft landed in Gujarat's Vadodara, days after it was handed over to the IAF in the southern Spanish city of Seville. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on September 13 received the first of the 56 C-295 transport aircraft.

In October last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the manufacturing facility for 295 planes in Vadodara. It will be the first military aircraft to be manufactured in India by a private consortium.