Expanded Missions Eyed For Small TransportsWhy battle in one market when you can do so in many? That approach seems to be underpinning moves by Airbus Military and Alenia Aermacchi to take the rivalry between their C295 and C-27J, respectively, into new segments.
With the C-27J having recently bested the C295 for the military transport role in Australia, the two are set to battle in Canada for a search-and-rescue contract.
Next month, Alenia is slated to complete the first test-firing of its
AC-27J gunship concept with an eye on sales in the U.S. and Europe.
Airbus Military has its own ambitions to add weapons capability to the C295. An AC295 concept would build on the work Alliant Techsystems has done for the Jordanian air force on an AN235 gunship. “We are in discussion with
ATK and other providers” for both permanent and roll-on/roll-off capabilities,” says Gustavo Garcia Miranda, Airbus Military's vice president for market development. Discussions with potential customers have already started.
In addition to a gunship concept, Airbus Military is planning to add a missile-firing capability for the maritime patrol version of the airlifter. Flight trials are to start in the third quarter of this year to fit
MBDA's Marte missile on the aircraft. The C295 currently can employ the Mk.36 torpedo.
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