C-295/CN235 Joint Cargo Aircraft
The U.S. Army and Air Force are seeking a new transport aircraft that can perform rapid-response intra-theater missions with cargo, equipment and soldiers, as well as perform medevac duties and airdrop delivery.
Military commanders have stated their desire for a capable, proven airlifter that can support the "last mile and beyond" in the battlefield supply chain, and which will only be interoperable, but also promote interdependency with U.S. and coalition forces.
This follow-on transport, designated the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA), is to be selected from an existing airlifter in a non-developmental, off-the-shelf acquisition.
Raytheon is teamed with EADS CASA North America as "Team JCA", to compete for the Joint Cargo Aircraft program. Team JCA has submitted proposals on both the C-295 and CN-235, which are both fully deployed and combat proven.
"With the recent achievement of 1,000,000 JCA-type flights, our Team JCA military aircraft offer an unmatched battlefield transport capability to the Army," said Jon Jones, president of Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems.
More than 260 C-295s and CN-235s are deployed with more than 24 air forces worldwide, demonstrating interoperability and interdependence with NATO countries and U.S. allies.
Operations performed by C-295s/CN-235s include a full range of tactical applications, from special mission service and troop rotations to international humanitarian and MEDEVAC (medical evacuation) flights, maritime patrol duties, peacekeeping operations, and logistics support.
Both the CN-235 and C-295 have been proven during combat operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo with U.S. and coalition forces, and these two aircraft types either meet or exceed the requirements laid out by the JCA program office. Additionally, the C-295 is the only two-engine aircraft in its class that can carry five pallets, providing additional flexibility for intra-theater lift.
C-295
As the largest member of EADS CASA's family of light/medium airlifters, the C-295 offers the best value for users - with lower acquisition and direct operating costs than any other aircraft in its category.
With a cargo cabin that is the largest of any medium-sized military transport, the C-295 can transport 71 troops or 49 fully-equipped paratroops. Cross-section similarity with the CH-47 enables palletized cargo to be transferred directly between the two aircraft. The C-295's 41-ft.-long cabin allows for up to 20,392 lb. of payload to be transported, with typical payloads including five 88 X 108-inch pallets, three vehicles or three jet engines.
It retains the proven mission and handling characteristics of the smaller CN-235 (sold to more than 20 countries worldwide, including the U.S. for the Coast Guard's Deepwater Program).
The C-295 has seen wide operational service, including missions to support coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is operated by Spain, Poland and Jordan, and has been ordered by Portugal.
CN-235
The EADS CASA CN-235 has an excellent reputation for mission versatility, minimal support requirements, safe and reliable operation in all kinds of environments and low operating costs. It can carry a maximum payload of 13,227 lb. at a maximum cruising speed of 245 ktas.
Its large cargo hold and in-flight operable rear ramp allow easy loading of bulky cargo, including standard 88 x 108-inch pallets, light vehicles or combat aircraft engines. Up to 36 paratroopers can be carried, and air drops can be performed rapidly through the two rear side doors or the aft ramp. For medical evacuation missions, it accommodates up to 18 stretchers, with four attendants.
With almost 250 aircraft sold worldwide, the CN-235 is the leader in its class. Total operating experience to date is in excess of 850,000 flight hours. International customers include the U.S. for the Coast Guard's Medium Range Surveillance Maritime Patrol Aircraft mission.
Recent developments (news)
Poland acquires 2 C-295 aircraft, increases its fleet up to 12 units
Posted at: Wed Oct 31st, 2007
The Polish government has ordered today another two (2) EADS CASA C-295 military transport aircraft for the Polish Air Force. These two (2) units increase the number of eight (8) aircraft purchased in 2001 and two (2) additional ones in 200...
Raytheon Lost JCA Over Aircraft Performance Concerns
Posted at: Wed Oct 10th, 2007
The U.S. Army picked the C-27J for the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program, despite its higher cost, because of concerns about the C-...
Team JCA Files Protest with GAO on Joint Cargo Aircraft Selection
Posted at: Thu Jun 28th, 2007
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., June 27, 2007 /PRNewswire/ -- The Team JCA partnership led by Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and EADS CASA North America is contesting the Joint Cargo Aircraft selection process in a protest filed June 22 with the Government Accountability Office.
» C-295/CN235 Joint Cargo Aircraft RSS News Feed 
