Introduction

The first Airbus C295 MSA, a maritime surveillance version, has performed its maiden flight in Seville, Spain, for the Ejército del Aire y del Espacio.

Program Details

Under a 1.7-billion-euro program replacing old P-3B Orion for anti-sub warfare, and the C235N VIGMA used for surveillance missions, the Ministry of Defence in Madrid has ordered a total of sixteen C295s from Airbus Defence and Space. Eight are configured in the MPA/ASW version and the rest in the MSA version for maritime surveillance and SAR.

Roles of the C295 MPA/MSA

The C295 MPA/MSA aircraft will be managed by the Ejército del Aire y del Espacio. The Armada will provide specialists to operate these new aircrafts. The C295 MSA or VIGMA will be used for reconnaissance, surveillance, maritime rescue (SAR) and in cases of environmental disasters.

New Technology Implementation

The new VIGMA will adopt LiDAR or _Light Detection and Ranging_, a remote sensing technology that uses laser pulses to measure distances and create high-resolution 3D maps of a specific environment. The CHIROPTERA 4X system is capable of detecting objects beneath the surface in almost real-time and could potentially also support the C295 MPA in anti-sub warfare.

Contract Details

The contract signed with Airbus Defence and Space also includes the supply of training systems (flight simulator and mission systems simulator) and an initial logistics support package.

Delivery Details

The aircraft’s delivery is set for next year, following the completion of flight and ground tests performed by Airbus Defence and Space and the personnel of the DGAM, the Directorate General of Armaments of the Spanish Ministry of Defence.

Source and photo credit @Airbus Defence and Space