CASA is to introduce a stretched, updated version of the CN-235 in 2000, as it seeks to capture a slice of the medium-sized military-transport market.
The new C-295model incorporates a 3m stretch, increased weights and Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G engines to replace the General Electric CT7-9Cs which power the current CN-235. Compared to the CN-235, the C-295 offers a 3.7t increase in payload (to 9.7t), 15kt (28km/h) greater cruise speed (260kt), and a 130km (70nm) boost in range, to 1,350km.
A new undercarriage is being developed for the C-295 by Messier-Dowty, which will incorporate a redesigned twin-wheel nose gear. Hamilton Standard will supply the environmental-control system and propellers.
Ra£l Herránz, CASA's chairman and chief executive, says that the decision to launch the aircraft was taken in November 1996, without any launch customers, but he is confident that sales will follow. "The Spanish air force has a requirement for a larger aircraft to supplement their CN-235s," he says, adding that the C-295 will also meet an Australian requirement for a new intra-theatre transport.
While the CN-235 has civil and military applications, Herránz says that there are no plans to develop a civil version of the new model. He also says that the C-295 will be developed unilaterally, without the involvement of Indonesian manufacturer IPTN, which is a partner on the CN-235.
CASA vice-president Juan Alonso says that the aircraft is aimed at the emerging needs "-at the higher end of the medium-sized market".
"The aircraft is designed to replace the de Havilland Caribou and Buffalo, Fairchild C-119 and Alenia G-222, as well as new markets," he adds. CASA has delivered some 135 CN-235s, with 20 aircraft on backlog. Military customers include France, Ireland, Spain and Turkey.
CASA has also revealed its first contract for the upgraded C-212-400, with an order from an undisclosed South American air force for three aircraft. The contract includes upgrading the air force's current C-212 fleet, and is valued at Ptas 5.4 billion ($37 million).
Source: Flight International
