Indian Defence Review

Typical Logistic Missions : (C295 gross weight <23.2t Logistic MTOW) 1500 nm Range and 4+ tons of Payload Meeting typical transport missions with growth margin and low cost In the military world even general transports can be put at risk of enemy ground fire, and bitter experience has already shown the hazards of small arms fire and “dumb” weapons fielded by guerilla and terrorist combatants. For that reason Airbus Military is conducting trials of an on-board inert gas-generating system (OBIGGS) for the C295 which injects an inert gas above the void created in fuel tanks as the fuel is consumed and drastically cuts the risk of explosion. The aircraft can already be fitted with removable cockpit armouring, as well as a defensive aids system, and has seen extensive service in the Afghan conflict. Implementation decisions on OBIGGS will be taken soon. Airbus Military awaits further detail on India’s requirements in the maritime surveillance sphere, but the capabilities of the aircraft in that role also continue to be enhanced. In the ASW role the aircraft is already in service equipped with the Mk 46 torpedo – now work is well advanced to add the MBDA Marte anti-ship missile to the type’s weaponry. Missile-carriage flight trials took place in 2012 and preparations are now underway for missile release tests. Initially the inert missile will be released without a booster to check for satisfactory separation, and then with a booster for more detailed examination of the launch characteristics.