Airbus CC-295 Kingfisher

Image provided by Mike Kaehler, Comox

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.

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. from "A Primer" by Kestrel Publications

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