The Canadian Air Force currently employs a mixed fleet of six CC-115 Buffalos plus approximately 10 older-model CC-130 Hercules for fixed wing search and rescue (FWSAR) duties. The Buffalo is primarily used in the mountainous regions on Canada’s West Coast while the Hercules is used for longer-range missions, for example in the Arctic or over the Atlantic. Both fleets of aircraft are reaching the end of their useful lives and require replacement.
Rejuvenating Canada’s FWSAR capability makes compelling operational and economic sense. The two aircraft fleets currently being used have reached or exceeded their planned service lives and should be replaced. New aircraft should be more reliable, more capable and potentially more economical, allowing the Government to ensure the cost-effective delivery of SAR to Canadians and others.
The C295 represents the best operational and acquisition value for Canada’s Fixed Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) aircraft requirement – offering a mission-proven platform.
The C295 offers an optimised airframe for SAR. With the largest cabin volume and floor space in its class, the C295 is the only aircraft with adequate space for all SAR gear and mission systems, plus comfortable crew rest and preparation areas.
C295 has the longest cargo bay in its segment of airlifters. The plane is able to take off and land in a short distance carrying full loads. C295 is able to accomplish its mission, flying in bad weather conditions in frequent rain zones and also in the opposite end in arid or desert zones. C295 has been proved in extreme hot conditions, humidity or cold conditions, wherever it's needed. The plane is ready to operate on not-paved or semi-prepared runways. In short, the C295 operates well in wild domains.
C295 has bubble spotter windows provide excellent visibility, including beneath the aircraft – an advantage already demonstrated during a U.S. Coast Guard HC144A (CN235) rescue mission of downed pilots at sea.
Proven and operated daily in the most challenging environments worldwide, the C295 design enables operations in storm force winds, with a crosswind limit of 30 kts. and airport winds in excess of 60 kts. – each of which are considered standard for North Atlantic and Arctic SAR operations.
Highlighted C295 performances:
SAFETY: takeoff and land with a crosswind of 30 knots & operate with airport winds in excess of 50 knots. It's optimized to safely operate in the 110-130 kts flight envelope
specified in the Canadian National SAR Manual
RANGE: with max range of 3040 nm all of Canada’s SAR area of responsibility can
be reached within one crew day.
SPACE: largest cabin volume and floor space in its class (12.69m), the only aircraft with adequate space for all SAR equipment and crew. Cabin dimensions optimized for special operations and SAR.
AIRDROP: certified & operational in 450lb aerial delivery by static line, lateralparachute doors and ramp.
SEARCH: spotter windows provide full panoramic coverage beneath the aircraft.
INTEROPERABILITY: with U.S. Coast Guard CN235
C295 vs C-27J in SAR role
CABIN
- Operators in SAR: C295 has 12 vs C-27J has 0. The best mark is for C295.
- Spotter windows: C295 has four vs C-27J has 0. The best mark is for C295.
- Unobstructed view underneth the aircraft: C295 YES vs C-27j NO. The best mark is for C295.
- Storage of all SAR gear, crew rest & preparation: C295 YES vs C-27J NO. The best mark is for C295
- Space for extra SAR: C295 YES vs C-27J NO. The best mark is for C295.
- Ramp size (m2): C295 has 7.17 vs C-27J has 4.78. The best mark is for C295.
PERFORMANCE
- Search speed in SAR configuration within 110-130 knots: C295 YES vs C-27J NO. The best mark is for C295.
- Crosswind limit (kts): C295 has 30 vs C-27J has 25. The best mark is for C295.
- Max wind speed takeoff/landing: C295 has 60 vs C-27J has 45. The best mark is for C295.
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