C295 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft

With the longest endurance in its class, the C295 provides more than 11 hours of persistent surveillance. Its rear ramp enables easy deployment of life rafts, and the fuselage’s bubble windows ensure excellent visual coverage.

At the heart of the C295 MSA’s mission equipment is Airbus’ Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) – an advanced and modern system with high-definition touchscreen displays and an intuitive human/machine interface that provides data fusion and a single maritime picture to the operators.

The FITS also interfaces with the aircraft navigation systems, enhancing situational awareness and reducing operators’ and pilots’ workload. Even with the FITS consoles installed at the front, the C295’s long cabin enables the aircraft to be used for other roles, such as the transportation of troops, cargo and personnel transport, and for medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).

The Portuguese Air Force uses the C295 to patrol Portugal’s huge Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) – including areas around the Azores and Madeira islands. The Brazilian Air Force and the Irish Air Corps also use the C295 for search and rescue (SAR) missions in oceanic areas.

The Canadian Air Force is one of the largest C295 customers, with 16 aircraft ordered for maritime patrol, SAR and MEDEVAC operations. The Irish Air Corps will also replace its CN235 fleet with the C295 maritime surveillance, as well as in support of special operations missions, MEDEVAC capabilities in hostile areas, and for maritime pollution control.