Asian Aerospace 2000 -- The Spanish Air Force has signed an order valued at 31.17 million pesetas for nine Casa C-295 military transports. The aircraft will be in service by 2004, joining 20 earlier CN-235s already operating with Spain's air arm.

The C-295 is an improved version of the CN-235, sharing its aerodynamic configuration and characteristics of sturdiness, simplicity of maintenance and multirole adaptability, while incorporating significant upgrades. These include increased pressurization differential to 5.5 psi to improve operation up to 25,000 feet; 23,200 kg maximum take-off weight, and 57 cubic meters of cargo volume.

Two Pratt & Whitney Canada 127G turboprops driving six-blade Hamilton Standard propellers power the aircraft, giving a 260 knot cruise speed.

The first of two prototype C-295s made its maiden flight on 28 November 1997, followed by the second just over a year later. FAA certification was granted on 17 December 1999 after a 1,317-hour, 611-flight test program. Two more C-295s are under construction at Casa's Madrid plant.

Australia, Greece and Switzerland are among potential customers for the aircraft, which Casa says not only meets present military transport requirements, but will be an ideal complement for the Airbus A400M future heavy transport aircraft.

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Casa has sold a second C-212-400 Patrullero maritime surveillance aircraft to the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Delivery is scheduled for June 2001. The C-212-400 will be equipped with a four-screen EFIS, FMS with dual GPS, 360-degree search radar, electro-optical turret that carries FLIR and TV cameras, Inmarsat-based data and voice transmission systems, high power output loudspeaker, external search beacon, observer posts with bubble windows, and rescue and fleet support equipment. Auxiliary fuel tanks enable the aircraft to patrol for up to eight hours. Patrullero versions of the C-212 also operate with the air forces of Surinam and Venezuela.