C-295
TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT – DEFENCE & SECURITY
News:
IAF takes delivery of
first C295: How this deal kicks off ‘Make in India’ scheme for military
aircraft
What's
in the news?
●
The Indian Air Force (IAF) received the
first of the 56 C295 aircraft, which are set to replace its ageing Avro-748
fleet, at the Airbus production site in Seville, Spain.
Key
takeaways:
●
Calling it a momentous day, Air Chief
Marshal VR Chaudhari said the occasion marks the beginning of a new era where military aircraft would be manufactured in
India.
C-295
Transport Aircraft:
●
It is a new-generation tactical airlifter in the light and medium segment
that will replace the ageing Avro aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
●
It was designed and built by Airbus, a European multinational aerospace
corporation.
●
It is robust and reliable but also highly
versatile in terms of the number of different missions it can perform.
●
The aircraft, with a flight endurance of
up to 11 hours, can carry out multi-role
operations under all weather conditions.
●
It has a rear ramp door for quick reaction
and para-dropping of troops and cargo.
●
Short take-off/land from semi-prepared
surfaces is another of its features.
Key
features:
1.
Air-to-Air refuelling:
●
It can be converted into an air tanker
that can deliver up to 6,000 kg of gasoline to fixed and rotary wing receivers
by adding a detachable refuelling kit.
2.
Airborne Early Warning (AEW):
●
It has a cutting-edge radar with 360-degree
coverage to give a complete picture of the airspace in its Airborne Early
Warning variant.
3.
Water-Bomber:
●
It can be transformed into a powerful
water bomber that can put out forest fires with up to 7,000 litres of water due
to a flexible roll-on/roll-off system.
4.
Armed/Ground ISR (Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance):
●
A close-air-support operation that uses an
ISR with a multi-mission radar that can also be weaponized.
●
The aircraft can be utilised for casualty
or medical evacuation as well as airdropping loads and paratroopers.
●
It is equipped to handle special missions,
disaster relief operations, and maritime patrol responsibilities.