Airtech/CASA/IPTN CN-235
CASA/IPTN CN-235 is a twin-engined medium-range multi-purpose transport aircraft developed jointly by the Spanish manufacturer CASA (EADS CASA) and the Indonesian manufacturer IPTN.
Developing nations: Spain and Indonesia.
Manufacturers/designers: Airbus Military/CASA/PT. Dirgantara Indonesia.
Production Lines: San Pablo Airport, in Seville, Spain and Bandung, Indonesia.
Type aircraft: Tactical transport.
First flight: 11 November 1983.
Certification: 20 June 1986
First delivery: 1 March 1988 Spain.
Produced: 1983 – present.
The CN-235 has been conceived for tactical military transport and is capable of operating from unpaved runways and has excellent low level flying characteristics for tactical penetration. Its large cargo hold and hydraulically operated rear ramp allow easy access for vehicle transport the ideal complement to the Hercules C-130. It can carry most combat aircraft engines and may also be subjected to a quick change configuration. The CN-235 can be used to transport up to 48 paratroopers who may jump out either of the two side doors or the rear ramp. The CN-235 is able to carry out high and low altitude (HAD, LAPES) in-flight drops distribution of up to four tons of supplies to forward troops. On medical evacuation missions, the plane can transport up to 21 stretchers, with four medics.
Variants
- CN-235-10 – Initial production version (15 built by each company), with GE CT7-7A engines.
- CN-235-100/110 – Generally as series 10, but with GE CT7-9C engines in new composites nacelles; replaced Series 10 in 1988 from 31st production aircraft. Series 100 is Spanish-built, series 110 Indonesian-built, with improved electrical, warning and environmental systems.
- CN-235-200/220 – Improved version. Structural reinforcements to cater for higher operating weights, aerodynamic improvements to wing leading-edges and rudder, reduced field length requirements and much-increased range with maximum payload. Series 200 is Spanish-built, Series 220 Indonesian-built.
- CN-235-300 – CASA Modification of 200/220 series, with the Honeywell International Corp. avionics suite. Other features include improved pressurisation and provision for optional twin-nosewheel installation.
- CN-235-330 Phoenix – Modification of Series 200/220, offered by IPTN with new Honeywell avionics, ARL-2002 EW system and 16.800 kg/37.037 lb MTOW, to Royal Australian Air Force to meet Project Air 5190 tactical airlift requirement, but was forced by financial constraints to withdraw in 1998.
- CN-235 MPA – Maritime patrol version with 6 hardpoints to carry AM-39 Exocet-Missiles or Mk.46-Torpedos.
- HC-144 Ocean Sentry - United States Coast Guard designation for a planned twenty-two aircraft fleet bought to replace the small HU-25 Guardian business-style jets.
Military operators
- Azerbaijan – Azerbaijani Air Forces 30, ordered in April 2010
- Botswana – Botswana Defence Force (2, later replaced by 2 new)
- Brunei - Royal Brunei Air Force (1)
- Burkina Faso - Military of Burkina Faso (1)
- Cambodia
- Cameroon - Cameroon Air Force ordered one CN-235 in June 2012
- Chile – Chilean Army (4 CN-235-100) One lost in Antarctica
- Colombia - Colombian Air Force and Colombian National Armada
- Ecuador - Ecuadorian Air Force and Ecuadorian Navy
- France - French Air Force 19 CN235-100, 18 updated in CN235-200 configuration, 1 lost. 8 CN235-300 (ordered April 2010)
- Gabon - Gabonese Air Force (1)
- Indonesia - Indonesian Air Force (Operating CN235-100M, CN235-220M, CN235MPA) Indonesian Navy, (Operating CN235MPA
- Ireland - Irish Air Corps (2 x CN235MP)
- Jordan - Royal Jordanian Air Force (2 on lease for several years from Turkish AF, to be modified by ATK into Gunships)
- Malaysia - Royal Malaysian Air Force (8 x CN235-220)
- Mexico - Mexican Navy 6 CN235-300MPA) – Mexican Federal Police (2x CN235)
- Morocco - Moroccan Air Force (6)
- Nigeria - Nigerian Air Force (20 CN-235s ordered)
- Pakistan - Pakistan Air Force (4× CN235-220)
- Papua New Guinea - Papua New Guinea Defence Force (2 CN-235M)
- Republic of Korea - Republic of Korea Air Force (20; 12 built by CASA in Spain, 8 by IPTN in Indonesia) – Korea Coast Guard (4)
- Saudi Arabia - Royal Saudi Air Force (4)
- Senegal - Senegalese Air Force (2)
- Spain - Spanish Air Force (20) – Spanish Civil Guard (2x Surveillance)
- Thailand - Royal Thai Air Force (2)
- Turkey - Turkish Air Force (50 x CN235-100M) – Turkish Navy (9 x CN-235 ASW/ASuW MPA with AMASCOS (Airborne Maritime Situation & Control System) of Thales) – Turkish Coast Guard (3 x CN-235 MPA with AMASCOS (Airborne Maritime Situation & Control System) of Thales)
- United Arab Emirates - UAE Navy (4)
- United States - United States Air Force 427th Special Operations Squadron - United States Coast Guard EADS CASA HC-144 Ocean Sentry
- Yemen - Yemen Air Force (1)
Government and paramilitary operators
- Oman - Royal Oman Police (2 x CN-235-M100)
- Spain - Guardia Civil (2 X CN-235 MPA) – Sociedad de Salvamento y Seguridad Marítima (3 X CN-235 MPA)
- Thailand - Royal Thai Police (1 x CN235-300)
Specifications (CN-235-100)
General characteristics
- Crew: two, pilot and co-pilot
- Capacity: 44 passengers
- Payload: 5,950 kg (13,120 lb)
- Length: 21.40 m (70 ft 2½ in)
- Wingspan: 25.81 m (84 ft 8 in)
- Height: 8.18 m (26 ft 10 in)
- Wing area: 59.10 m² (636.1 sq st)
- Airfoil: NACA 653-218
- Aspect ratio: 11.27:1
- Empty weight: 9,800 kg (21,605 lb)
- Useful load: 48.54 m3 (1715.17 ft3)
- Max. takeoff weight: 16,500 kg (36,380 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × General Electric CT7-9C3 turboprops, 1,750 shp () each
Performance
- Cruise speed: 454 km/h (245 knots,)
- Range: 5,055 km (2730 nm)
- Service ceiling: 7,620 m (25,000 ft)
- Rate of climb: 7.8 m/s (1,780 ft/min)
All pictures courtesy of Zijde Aviation Photo and Publishing, Rob Vogelaar
EADS CASA C-295
The EADS CASA C-295 is a new generation twin-turboprop tactical military transport Aircraft able to carry up to nine tonnes of payload or up to 71 personnel. The C-295’s “civic” activities include surveillance and control activities such as search and rescue, monitoring of illegal immigration, drug smuggling, piracy, illegal fishery, maritime pollution control and deterrance, wild deforestation, bringing supplies to people living in remote locations (isolated islands, deserts, etc).
Developing nation: Spain.
Manufacturer/designer: Airbus Military/CASA.
Production Lines: San Pablo Airport, in Seville, Spain.
Type aircraft: Tactical transport.
First flight: 28 November 1997.
First delivery: 2001 Spain.
Produced: 1997 -present.
Developed from: CASA CN235.
EADS CASA C-295 is the ideal aircraft for defence and civic missions to the benefit of society, such as humanitarian actions, maritime patrol, and environmental surveillance. Thanks to its robustness, reliability and simple systems, this medium sized tactical airlifter provides the versatility and flexibility necessary for personnel, troop and bulk or palletized cargo transportation, medical evacuation, communication and logistic duties, and certified air-dropping capabilities. Its mix of dual technology civil/military equipment ensures success in demanding tactical missions, growth potential for systems development, as well as compatibility with the latest civil airspace requirements.
The C-295 glass cockpit with digital avionics includes four large active matrix liquid crystal displays (6’’x8’’), fully compatible with night vision goggles. The advanced integrated avionics system with multifunctional displays provides improved situational awareness and flight safety, lower pilot workload and enhanced mission effectiveness.
Early Warning & Command (AEW)
Airbus Military is currently flight testing an Airborne Early Warning & Command (AEW) version of its C295. The C295 demonstrator is fitted with a six metre / 19 ft 18 in diameter rotodome. The primary sensor of the AEW&C will be the IAI/ELTA 4th Generation Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar with integrated IFF. This follows an agreement signed by Airbus Military and IAI/ELTA in June 2011 at the Le Bourget Airshow.The C295 AEW&C has been designed to provide high quality 360º surveillance, creating in real-time an integrated Air and Maritime Situation Picture and Electronic Order of Battle.
Winglets
In December 2012 Airbus Military has begun flight-testing a modification to add winglets to the C295 medium transport and surveillance aircraft – one of a series of product developments underway on the market-leading type.
Variants:
- C-295M – Military transport version. Capacity for 73 troops, 48 paratroops, 27 stretchers, five 2.24 × 2.74 m (88 × 108 inches) pallets or three light vehicles
- C-295MPA/Persuader – Maritime patrol/anti-submarine warfare version. Provision for six hardpoints.
- AEW&C – Prototype airborne early warning and control version with 360 degree radar dome. The AESA radar was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and has an integrated IFF (Identification friend or foe) system.
Operators:
- Algeria - The Algerian Air Force received six C-295s for transport and maritime patrol. One lost in accident.
- Brazil - The Brazilian Air Force received 12 aircraft, designated C-105A Amazonas.
- Chile - The Chilean Navy recently purchased three C-295 MPA to replace their ageing P-3ACH Orions.
- Colombia - The Colombian Air Force ordered five C-295s.
- Czech Republic - The Czech Air Force ordered four C-295M.
- Egypt - The Egypt Air Force have ordered three aircraft for tactical and logistical transport.
- Finland - The Finnish Air Force operates two C-295Ms and has an order for one additional C-295M (the plane will be equipped with an ESM / ELINT system designed by Lockheed Martin) for delivery in 2013.
- Ghana - The Ghanaian Air Force ordered two C-295s.
- Indonesia - The Indonesian Air Force have ordered nine aircraft for tactical and logistical transport.
- Jordan - The Royal Jordanian Air Force received two aircraft.
- Kazakhstan - The Kazahk Air Force operated two C-295s and ten aircraft in order.
- Mexico - The Mexican Air Force operates 6 C-295Ms. 4 more in order. The Mexican Navy operates four C-295s.
- Oman - The Royal Air Force of Oman ordered five tactical transport C-295M and three maritime patrol C-295 MPA in 2012.
- Poland - The Polish Air Force 17 aircraft. One aircraft crashed on 24 January 2008.
- Portugal - The Portuguese Air Force received 12 C-295s, including five Persuader Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
- Spain - The Spanish Air Force 13 aircraft (designated T.21).
General characteristics C295M
- Crew: Two
- Capacity: 71 troops
- Payload: 9,250 kg (20,392 lbs)
- Length: 24.50 m (80 ft 3 in)
- Wingspan: 25.81 m (84 ft 8 in)
- Height: 8.60 m (28 ft 3 in)
- Wing area: 59 m² (634.8 ft²)
- Max. takeoff weight: 23,200 kg (51,146 lbs)
- Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G Hamilton Standard 586-F (six bladed), 1,972 kW (2,645 hp) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 576 km/h (311 knots, 358 mph)
- Cruise speed: 480 km/h (260 knots, 300 mph)
- Range: 4,600 km (with 3000Kg payload) (2,600 mi) 2,300 nmi; (with 4,550 kilograms (10,000 lb) payload)
- Range with full payload: 1,300 km (828 mi; 720 nmi)
- Ferry range: 5,400 km (3,240 mi; 2,820 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 9,100 m (25,000 ft)
- Takeoff run: 670 m (2,200 ft)
- Landing run: 320 m (1,050 ft)
All pictures courtesy of Zijde Aviation Photo and Publishing, Rob Vogelaar
Airbus A330-200MRTT Tanker
A330-200MRTT Royal Australian Air Force, Photo: M. van Leeuwen Z.A.P.P.
One of the greatest attributes of the Airbus A330 as a tanker aircraft is its massive internal fuel capacity, the 111.000 kg / 122 tons of fuel is held in the wings which leaves the lower deck available for cargo. With under floor tanks the fuel capacity can be further increased while retaining main deck cargo capacity or seating for strategic transport. The A330-200MRTT can be fitted with a variety of refueling options, from a new air refueling boom system developed by EADS or two wing pods, to a combination of wing pods and a center fuselage refueling unit (hose and drogue) and/or boom system.
-The fly-by-wire technology boom is 11,28 m. long, and it extends to a length of 17,68 m. for refueling, transfer rate of 4.542 liter/min at a pressure of 50 psi. Boom operations are managed from a station in the cockpit. The operator’s position is optimized for man-machine interface and utilizes a 3-D stereoscopic enhanced vision system for day/night boom operation.
-The under fuselage centerline hose & drogue unit delivers fuel though an 25,91 m.-long hose, with an off-load rate 2.271 liter/min at a pressure of 50 psi.
-Two under wing pods have a transfer rate of 1.590 liter/min at a pressure of 50 psi., and their hoses extend to a distance of 27,43 m.
-
Royal Australian Air Force ordered 5 aircraft.
-
Royal Saudi Air Force ordered 6 aircraft.
-
United Arab Emirates Air Force ordered 3 aircraft.
-
United Kingdom: Royal Air Force will lease 14 aircraft.
Australia
The RAAF’s five aircraft will be equipped with both an Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) and two Cobham 905E under-wing refuelling pods. Australia was initially to procure four aircraft with an option to obtain a fifth, however it has since decided to go ahead with the procurement of the fifth aircraft in order to allow for two simultaneous deployments of two aircraft, with the fifth providing contingency cover. All of Australia’s Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft will be operated by No. 33 Squadron RAAF based at RAAF Base Amberley.
Following a 12–15 month delay, the first two Australian aircraft are now due to be delivered in mid-2010, with a third by the end of the year and the remaining two in 2011 and 2012 respectively. The Australian aircraft are designated KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transports.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia finalized an agreement to purchase three A330 MRTT equipped with both an Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) and two Cobham 905E under-wing refuelling pods, on 3 January 2008. In July 2009 it was released that Saudi Arabia ordered three additional A330 MRTT tankers.
United Arab Emirates
In 2007, the United Arab Emirates announced it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus to purchase three A330 MRTT. EADS, Airbus’s parent company, announced the signing of a contract with UAE in February 2008. The UAE aircraft will be equipped with both an Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) and two Cobham 905E under-wing refuelling pods.
United Kingdom
On 27 March 2008, the UK Ministry of Defense signed a deal to lease 14 aircraft from EADS-led consortium AirTanker, with the first aircraft due to enter service in 2011. All of the RAF aircraft will be fitted with two Cobham 905E under-wing refuelling pods and 7 will be capable of being fitted with one Cobham 805E Fuselage Refuelling Unit (FRU).
A330-200 MRTT facts:
- Developing nation: Europe
- Manufacturer / designer: EADS – Airbus Industries
- Production line: Toulouse – Blagnac, France
- Type Aircraft: A33-200 MRTT Aerial tanker and transport
- First flight(s): A330-200 MRTT – June 15 2007
- First delivery: A330-200 MRTT – year 2010 (Royal Australian Air Force)
- Crew: Two pilots, two boom-operators
- Aero medical evacuation: 130 stretchers or 70 stretchers and 6 intensive care units.
- Cabin length: 45,00 m.
- Cabin diameter: 5,28 m.
- Cabin height: 2,54 m.
- Cargo volume: Under floor 136 m³
- LD3 containers in belly: 26x
- Standard pallets (2,24 x 3,17 m.): In belly 8x including 2 LD3 containers.
- NATO pallets (2,24 x 2,75 m.): 34x
- Wing span: 60,30 m. with winglets
- Wing area: 361,60 m²
- Wing sweep: 30 degrees
- Fuselage length: 59,00 m.
- Fuselage diameter: 5,64 m.
- Height: 17,40 m.
- Wheelbase: 22,20 m.
- Track: 10,69 m.
- Engines: 2x General Electric CF6-80E1A4 rated 297.44 kN. / or: 2x Rolls Royce Trent 772B rated 315.9 kN
- Weight empty: 120.520 kg.
- Fuel: 139.090 liters
- Max. Payload: 48.988 kg.
- Max. take off weight: 239.950 kg.
- Max. landing weight: 181.982 kg.
- Cruise speed: 860 Kph.
- Max. speed: 880 Kph.
- Service ceiling: 12.497 m.
- Max. ceiling: 12.497 m.
- Max. range: 13.057 Km.
- Centerline flying boom: 11,28 m. long, extends to a length of 17,68 m, rated 4.542 liter/min. at a pressure of 50 psi.
- Centerline hose drum unit: 25,91 m. long, rated 2.271 liter/min. at a pressure of 50 psi.
- Under wing pods (x2): 27,43 m. long, rated 1.590 liter/min. at a pressure of 50 psi.
- Wing tank: 91.298 liters.
- Center tank: 41.559 liters.
- Trim tank: 6.230 liters.
Military Systems
The A330 MRTT also features a suite of advanced military avionics and mission systems integrated with the civil avionics, and can also be provided with a comprehensive survivability package including a Defensive Aid System, fuel tank inerting and cockpit armouring.