What is C295 Transport Aircraft?

About C295 Transport Aircraft: 

• It is a new-generation tactical airlifter in the light and medium segment.
• It was designed and built by Airbus, a European multinational aerospace corporation.
• It is a reliable and highly versatile tactical transport that is tailored for missions that range from carrying troops and cargo, maritime patrol, airborne warning, surveillance and reconnaissance to signals intelligence, armed close air support, medical evacuation, Air-to-Air refuelling, VIP transport, and airborne firefighting.
• Features:
  • The aircraft, with a flight endurance of up to 13 hours, can function under all weather conditions.
  • It is capable of carrying up to nine tonnes of payload, or as many as 71 troops, at a maximum cruise speed of 260 kts.
  • The C295 is designed to provide outstanding low-level flight characteristics for tactical missions, flying at speeds as slow as 110 knots.
  • The aircraft has a rear ramp door for quick reaction and paradropping of troops and cargo.
  • It is powered by two turboprop engines.
  • It has short take-off and landing (STOL) characteristics and the ability to use unprepared airstrips.
  • In September 2021, India formalised the acquisition of 56 C295 aircraft to replace the legacy Avro fleet of the IAF at a cost of Rs 21,935 crore.

Under the deal, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in 'fly-away' condition from its final assembly line in Seville by 2025, and the subsequent 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in India as part of an industrial partnership between the two companies.

Q1: What are turboprop engines?

A turboprop engine is a variant of a jet engine that has been optimised to drive a propeller. A turboprop engine uses the same principles as a turbojet to produce energy, that is, it incorporates a compressor, combustor and turbine within the gas generator of the engine. Turboprop equipped aircraft are very efficient at lower flight speeds (less than mach 0.6), burning less fuel per seat-mile and requiring significantly less runway for takeoff and landing than a turbojet or turbofan powered aircraft of the same size.

Source: IAF takes delivery of second C295 transport aircraft