Military aircraft - First Airbus C295W for Brazilian Air Force Search and Rescue missions makes its maiden flight

Similar aircraft offered for Canada's Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue Project

OTTAWA, Sept. 14, 2016 /CNW/ - The first of the Airbus C295W aircraft that the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira) ordered, configured specifically for search and rescue (SAR) missions, has made its maiden flight. The new aircraft will join Brazil's existing fleet of transport-configured C295s.

Brazil's new SAR C295Ws are very similar to the C295W aircraft that Airbus Defence and Space is offering as part of its bid for Canada's Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) project. In particular, they are fitted with a similar Mission System, the third generation of Airbus Defence and Space's Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS), that has been proposed to Canada.

"This repeat order reflects Brazil's high level of confidence in the C295W and further confirms the demonstrated excellence of this aircraft in a SAR role," said Simon Jacques, President Airbus Defence and Space Canada.

"The C295W and its integrated SAR mission system are already in service and proven," Jacques said. "We are confident the C295W will meet Canada's demanding SAR requirements, and that our proposal for the FWSAR project provides the most long-term benefits and international opportunities to Canadian industry."

All C295Ws sold worldwide feature substantial Canadian content. Pratt & Whitney Canada provides the C295W's engines, CAE provides flight simulators and training systems, and L-3 WESCAM provides advanced electro-optical systems. In addition, in the FWSAR role for Canada, PAL Aerospace will provide in-service support for Canada's SAR C295Ws in partnership with Airbus.

Airbus Defence and Space has sold 168 C295s and C295Ws in 23 countries, and the aircraft is operating around the world in a variety of configurations, including maritime patrol, anti-submarine, and search and rescue.

About Airbus Defence and Space

Airbus Defence and Space is a division of Airbus Group formed by combining the business activities of Cassidian, Astrium and Airbus Military. The new division is Europe's number one defence and space enterprise, the second largest space business worldwide and among the top ten global defence enterprises. It employs some 38,000 employees generating revenues of approximately €13 billion per year.

SOURCE Airbus Defence and Space

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