The first flight of a series production CASA C-295 light tactical transport was due as Flight International went to press. The C-295 is a stretched version of the CN-235.
This is the second C-295 to fly, the original prototype taking to the air in November 1997, just months after the programme was announced. The prototype has amassed about 400h of flying time.
The company remains tight-lipped about the programme, but it is understood the Spanish air force is the main customer to date.
Apart from the stretch, the major change to the C-295 is the switch from the CN-235's General Electric CT7s to a pair of more powerful 2051kW (2,750hp ) Pratt &Whitney PW127G turboprops, giving a cruising speed of 260kt (480km/h). The 12.7m stretch provides 50% more loading capacity and increases the maximum payload to 9,700kg (21,360lb).
The wing has also been strengthened to withstand the higher maximum take-off weight of 23,200kg, which includes a further 2,380 litres in fuel capacity, giving an extra 730nm (1,350km) range, to 3130nm.
Hardpoints are provided under each wing "for future developments of special versions", says CASA. The C-295 also has new "glass cockpit" avionics.
Source: Flight International
