On May 29, 2013, the C-295W military transport aircraft, an improved variant of the C-295, was unveiled at the Airbus Military aviation plant in Seville, Spain. The primary distinction of the C-295W from its original version is the incorporation of winglets at the wingtips, denoted by the ‘W’ index. Each metal winglet weighs 30 kg, contributing to a total aircraft mass increase of 90 kg, which includes wing reinforcement.
Design Innovations and Performance Upgrades
According to Airbus Military’s press service, these winglets enhance the wing’s lift capabilities and provide a fuel economy of approximately 3-6%. The aircraft is also equipped with modified Pratt & Whitney PW127G engines, specifically optimized for high-altitude operations.
These engine modifications, combined with the use of winglets, are claimed to increase the aircraft’s payload capacity by 1.5 tons and elevate its service ceiling to 7900 meters.
Production and Initial Deliveries
Production of the C-295W takes place in Seville, running concurrently with the “traditional” C-295M versions. Deliveries of the C-295W commenced in 2015. The first recipients were the Mexican Naval Aviation, which received two aircraft in spring 2015 (serial numbers 133 and 135), and the Mexican Air Force, also receiving two aircraft in 2015 (serial numbers 138 and 139).
Additionally, four aircraft were supplied to the Air Force and Air Defense of Uzbekistan between 2015-2016 (serial numbers 137, 145, 148, and 152). The Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia ordered four C-295W aircraft, with the first (serial number 143) delivered in late 2015, and the armed forces of Mali ordered one unit.
Global Reach and Major Acquisitions
In May 2015, the Indian government approved the acquisition of 56 C-295W aircraft for the Indian Air Force. This significant order includes plans for 40 of these aircraft to be assembled within India, marking a pivotal step in domestic production and international collaboration.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | C-295W |
| Wingspan, m | 25.81 |
| Length, m | 24.45 |
| Height, m | 8.82 |
| Wing area, m2 | 59.10 |
| Empty weight | 11300 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 23400 |
| Fuel, l | 7650 |
| Engine type | 2 Turboprops Pratt Whitney Canada PW127G |
| Power, kW | 2 x 1975 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 482 |
| Practical range, km | 4500 |
| Combat range, km | 1350 |
| Service ceiling, m | 7900 |
| Crew | 2 |
| Payload | 69 soldiers or 48 paratroopers or 27 stretchers with 4 attendants or 9700 kg of cargo |
Image and diagram gallery of the C.295W
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