CASA C-295M

The CASA C-295, now Airbus C295 is a medium transport aircraft that was developed from the CN-235 medium transport which was originally developed for the Spanish and Indonesian Air Forces. The key differences between the types are that the C-295 has a stretched airframe and more powerful engines providing a 50% increase in cargo-carrying capability. Following its first flight in November 1997, the C-295 has been ordered by over 35 militaries worldwide. In addition to its primary transport role, the C-295 has either been developed for or proposed in a variety of different roles including maritime patrol, search and rescue, AWACS, as a gunship, and as an aerial refuelling tanker.

Spain was the launch customer for the C-295 and designated the type as the T.21 after ordering an initial batch of nine aircraft in 2000 to replace a fleet of C-235s which had been converted to the maritime patrol role. The C-295 now forms the backbone of the Spanish Air and Space Force medium transport capability with a total of 13 airframes currently on strength.

The C-295 appearing at RIAT25 will be providing support to other assets at the show and will possibly be remaining for static display during the weekend.

Photo Credit: Kev Storer