16 Aircraft Plus In-Service Support
On 8 December, the Canadian government announced selection of the Airbus C295W for the Fixed-Wing Search & Rescue (FWSAR) requirement. Airbus are to supply 16 aircraft modified foir thre SAR role, as well as in-service support, to be delivered by AirPro, a Canada-based joint venture between Airbus Defence & Space and PAL Aerospace.
The C295W features substantial Canadian content. Every C295 is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada engines, pilots will be trained at a new facility developed by CAE, and the electro-optical systems for FWSAR will be provided by L-3 Wescam. Overall, some 20% of the aircraft is Canadian in origin.
The aircraft are scheduled to be delivered starting three years after contract award. In service, they will join five Airbus CC-150 aircraft used in the air-to-air refueling, transport, and VIP travel roles.
