Canadian Warplanes 5: Airbus CC-295 Kingfisher

Airbus CC-295 Kingfisher

(Nino Blazanovic / ConcordeNick ArtPhoto)

The Government of Canada has procured a new fleet of 16 C295W twin-turboprop, fixed-wing aircraft configured for search-and-rescue (SAR) missions from Airbus Defence & Space for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

The new C295W search-and-rescue aircraft will be used to perform critical SAR duties in each of Canada’s SAR regions, in conditions ranging from the North Atlantic, to the Arctic, across the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Scheduled to be delivered between 2019 and 2022, the CC-295 SAR aircraft are intended to replace the RCAF’s existing SAR fleet comprising of six CC-115 Buffalo and ten CC-130H Hercules aircraft.

C295W Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) Program

Airbus Defence & Space received a prime contract award worth $2.4B (Canadian) from the Government of Canada in December 2016 for the delivery of 16 C295W aircraft in a search-and-rescue configuration for the FWSAR aircraft replacement program. Airbus will provide engineering, training, maintenance and in-service support services for the aircraft under the contract, which has a base period of 11 years. In addition, the company will build a new simulator-equipped training complex in Comox, British Columbia, to provide training for the CC-295 pilots.

Canadian-based simulation and training services provider CAE is responsible for the supply of full flight simulators. Airbus Defence, in collaboration with Provincial Aerospace, formed a joint venture designated AirPro SAR Services (AirPro) for providing repairs, upgrades and deport level maintenance for the FWSAR programme for a period of 20 years.

L-3 Wescam, a manufacturer of electrooptical sensors and targeting systems and Lockheed Martin Canada were selected to provide mission systems components for the 16 C295W transports.

C295W aircraft design and features

The RCAF’s CC-295 search-and-rescue aircraft will have a 12.7 m (41 ft) pressurized cabin with a large floor area. It will be manned by two pilots, one flight engineer, one Air Combat Systems Officer (ACSO) and two SAR technicians.

The aircraft features a fixed-wing design with a wing span of 25.81 m and a wing area of 59 m2. Blended winglets are attached to the wings to improve the aircraft’s aerodynamic efficiency. The aircraft’s retractable tricycle landing gear enables the flight crew to perform take-off and landing operations safely in difficult terrain conditions. A large ramp door is fitted in the rear of the aircraft to provide easy access for search and rescue equipment and CAF personnel. An additional escape hatch for the crew has also been added.

C295W cockpit and avionics

The C295W SAR aircraft incorporates a Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS)-compatible cockpit and advanced avionics suite. Featuring Head-Up-Displays (HUDs) and an Enhanced Video System (EVS), the cockpit provides improved situational awareness, allowing the RCAF to perform search- and-rescue missions more effectively in all weather conditions. The onboard digital avionics will provide flight safety and enhanced mission effectiveness, while reducing the pilot workload. The aircraft is also fitted with a FITS (Fully-Integrated Tactical System) mission system, which integrates the tactical information and mission sensors.

Sensors aboard C295W SAR aircraft

Canada’s CC-295 SAR aircraft will be equipped with a MX-15 multi-sensor imaging system beneath its nose to localize, track, identify and detect targets in day / night and difficult weather conditions. Developed by L-3 Wescam, the payload system can house up to six high-definition imaging and laser sensors such as laser rangefinder, laser illuminator, and Electro-Optical / Infrared (EO / IR) cameras. The installation of the MX-15 has necessitated relocation of the twin landing / taxi lights from the nose landing gear to a fairing just above the MX-15.

A multi-mode search radar is fitted under the fuselage to provide an unobstructed 360° field of view. It can detect, recognize, classify and track both land and water-based objects such as fishing vessels, merchant ships, inflatable boats and small craft up to a distance of 200nm.

The SAR aircraft also features an Automatic Identification System (AIS) that is capable of transmitting and receiving text messages. The AIS is used to identify and locate aircraft, ships, land-based installations, and navigational aids with AIS transponders. ("A Primer" by Kestrel Publications)

(Mike Kaehler Photo)

Airbus CC-295 (Serial No. 517), CFB Comox, British Columbia, Feb 2020.

Airbus CC-295 (16), (Serial Nos. 295001-295016)

16 CC-295 will take over the search and rescue duties currently being undertaken by six CC-115 Buffalo aircraft and 12 CC-130 legacy aircraft.  The CC-295 is a fixed-wing search and rescue aircraft which will carry out critical, life-saving search and rescue missions across Canada’s vast and challenging territory, including the Arctic.  Using integrated sensors, crews will be able to locate persons or objects such as downed aircraft, from more than 40 kilometres away, even in low-light conditions.  This will contribute to improving the overall effectiveness of searches.  It is anticipated that the on-scene search time will be reduced with the use of these enhanced sensor capabilities.  The aircraft will also use state-of-the-art communications systems that will allow search and rescue personnel to share real-time information with partners on the ground.  The existing fleets will be maintained and operated throughout the transition to maintain search and rescue capabilities. (RCAF)

(Canadian Forces Photo)

The first operational Airbus CC-295 Kingfisher aircraft to be delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force prepares to depart 17 Wing Winnipeg on September 17, 2020 on its way to 19 Wing Comox.

(Canadian Forces Photo)

Airbus CC-295 Kingfisher.

(RCAF Photo)

Airbus CC-295, test flight.

(Airbus Photo)

Aibus CC-295 Kingfisher 608.