Airbus Defence and Space regards its C295 light/medium transport and maritime patrol aircraft as the best product in its range to meet the needs of the South African Air Force (SAAF) in these areas. The company has also been working on surveillance versions of its A320 single-aisle airliner.

"Our initial approach to South Africa is for a combined fleet of C295s to replace the CN235, C212 and turbo-Dakotas for transport and for maritime patrol," company intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) light and medium transport and unmanned air vehicle marketing head Fernando Ciria told Engineering News Online at the recent Airbus Defence and Space Trade Media Briefing (TMB).

The C212 is a light transport currently operated by the SAAF, which previously also operated a single CN235 light/medium transport (both of which were developed by a precursor company to Airbus Defence and Space). The SAAF also operates C-47 Dakotas, re-engined with turboprop motors, in both the light/medium transport and maritime surveillance roles. "I consider [that] the C295 is perfect for operations in South Africa,” he affirmed.

In his presentation to the TMB, Ciria confirmed that the company had been developing a number of ISR versions of the A320. These include maritime patrol, signals intelligence and electronic warfare and ground surveillance. Regarding the maritime patrol version, "[w]e started in 2007 in a campaign for the Indian Navy, in competition with Boeing," he explained. "Unfortunately, we were not successful." Since then, the concept has been further developed. "Our analysis two years ago was that the A320neo [new engine option] would be the best platform for these surveillance missions," he elucidated. "The A320neo will be our base platform."

The company is also looking at developing extra military versions of the A330 wide-body airliner family. It currently converts A330-200 airliners into multirole tanker transports (MRTTs). Now, the company is considering fitting MRTTs with ISR systems as well. In addition, the A330 has been selected by India to provide the platform for that country's indigenous airborne early warning radar development programme. Airbus will provide the aircraft, India will provide the radar and the associated mission suite.

The company already has its own project for a compact airborne early warning and control aircraft, based on the C295 airframe. This is being developed jointly with Israeli radar company Elta. Other proposed special missions versions of the C295 are signals intelligence (including electronics intelligence and communications intelligence), ground surveillance and gunship (ground attack with missiles, rockets and a door-mounted 30 mm cannon).

Keith Campbell attended the TMB 2015 in Seville, Spain, as a guest of the company.