C-295 transport aircraft for IAF to be built by private firms: 10 things to know

Defense Secretary Ajay Kumar said on Thursday, ‘For the first time, the C-295 aircraft will be manufactured outside Europe.

Here’s what you need to know about the project:

• The Airbus C295 is a new generation tactical airlifter in the light and medium segment. It can do a variety of activities
• The C295 is touted as an improved aircraft used for the tactical transport of 71 soldiers or 50 paratroopers, and for logistics operations in locations not accessible to current heavy aircraft.
• The aircraft can airdrop paratroops and loads, and can also be used for casualty or medical evacuation.
• The aircraft is capable of carrying out special missions as well as disaster response and maritime patrol duties.
• The aircraft has a glass cockpit with digital avionics, including four large active matrix liquid crystal displays (6 x 8 in) compatible with night vision goggles. “Advanced Integrated Avionics System with Multifunctional Display provides improved situational awareness and flight safety, reduced pilot workload and enhanced mission effectiveness.”
• The C295 comes with a short take-off and landing (STOL) feature. The STOL feature combined with a robust landing gear enables the aircraft to operate under the worst conditions for take-off and landing.
• In September last year, India signed a deal with Airbus Defense and Space to buy 56 C295 transport aircraft to replace the old Avro-748 aircraft of the Indian Air Force as part of a private company’s project to build military aircraft for the first time in India. was sealed. ,
• Under the agreement, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in ‘fly-away’ condition from its final assembly line in Seville, Spain, within four years and the latter 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in India. As part of an industrial partnership between the two companies.
• Airbus had earlier said that in the C295 program, the company will bring the full bouquet of world-class aircraft manufacturing and servicing to India in collaboration with its industrial partners.
• Officials said the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the facility will be held on October 30 and will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.