Contributor - UK

David Donald

Airbus Military has sold five C295 tactical transports and three C295 maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) to the Royal Air Force of Oman. The contract was signed on May 21 after negotiations that had originally been expected to conclude late last year. Oman is Airbus Military’s first customer for the C295 among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. It is buying the type to expand its tactical transport capability and to improve significantly its maritime capabilities in a region dogged by piracy, smuggling and illegal immigration. The Omani Police already operate the C295’s smaller sibling, the CN235.


Oman’s aircraft will be equipped to accommodate an aerial-dispersal spray kit that has been developed as an option to combat oil spills. The MPAs will be equipped with a new generation of the company’s fully integrated tactical system, which incorporates a number of improvements to make it more user-friendly. The MPAs will also feature search radar and EO/IR sensors, but it is not yet known whether they will be armed. The C295 MPA has six possible wing hardpoints for the carriage of weapons and is already qualified with the Mk 46 torpedo for anti-submarine use. Airbus Military revealed this week that the C295 will undertake trials with the MBDA Marte Mk 2 anti-ship missile, beginning with captive-carry flights in July.


For Airbus Military 2012 is already shaping up to be a good year. Last year the company sold only five aircraft across its product range, but it has taken firm orders for 24 already this year, with other potential customers reportedly nearing signature. Sales for the C295 now total 108 across 13 countries, and 85 aircraft are in service. Among the many opportunities being pursued is Canada’s fixed-wing search-and-rescue (FWSAR) requirement, in which the C295 is competing with the Alenia C-27J.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Airbus Military Sells C295s To Oman

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Chad Trautvetter

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Four-week strike will affect aircraft deliveries in the fourth quarter

Textron Aviation Ships 41 Bizjets in 3Q Despite Strike

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Flight testing on the first of three Bombardier jets is being conducted in Wichita

Global Starts Flight Tests for German Army Surveillance Role

Sarah Rose

Upgrade aims to enhance performance and reliability

Blackhawk's Upgrade To Increase Power of King Air 360

Jessica Reed

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

The 850 Series SKYscapes Effect Finishes offer a high-performance polyurethane base coat 

Sherwin-Williams Paints the Sky with Coating Upgrades

Curt Epstein

Experts say the market is reaching equlibrium after Covid boost

Aircraft Brokers Enjoying Healthy, Stable Market

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

More In Aircraft

Textron Aviation Ships 41 Bizjets in 3Q Despite Strike

Four-week strike will affect aircraft deliveries in the fourth quarter

Global Starts Flight Tests for German Army Surveillance Role

Flight testing on the first of three Bombardier jets is being conducted in Wichita

Blackhawk's Upgrade To Increase Power of King Air 360

Upgrade aims to enhance performance and reliability

Sherwin-Williams Paints the Sky with Coating Upgrades

The 850 Series SKYscapes Effect Finishes offer a high-performance polyurethane base coat

Aircraft Brokers Enjoying Healthy, Stable Market

Experts say the market is reaching equlibrium after Covid boost

Industry Leaders Share Insights on Scaling AAM Operations

Executives from Lilium, Beta Technologies, Electra, Atlantic Aviation, and Signature Aviation participated in the discussion

Electra Aero's Nine-passenger eSTOL Set for Reveal

Hybrid-electric design works within existing infrastructure

Camp Systems Launches Pricing and Quoting Solutions

SalesEdge Quoting is a web-based module for Quantum and Corridor

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN