Airbus Defence & 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 at the recent Airbus Defence & Space Trade Media Briefing (TMB).

The C212 is a light transport aircraft currently operated by the SAAF, which previously also operated a single CN235 light/medium transport aircraft (both of which were developed by a predecessor company to Airbus Defence & 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.”

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, he said: “We started in 2007 in a campaign for the Indian Navy, in competition with Boeing.

“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. Airbus Defence & Space converts A330-200 airliners, fresh off the final assembly line, into multirole tanker transports (MRTTs). These can undertake air-to-air refuelling, personnel transport and cargo transport, all at the same time. 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 and 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. The radar for the project is now being tested in Elta’s facilities. The two companies have agreed not to build a fully functional prototype, until they have a customer, because of the expense. Other proposed special mission 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).

Regarding the maritime patrol version of the A320neo, there is, as yet, no launch customer. Nor was Ciria willing to identify how big an order would be needed to launch the programme. It would have to be determined “case by case”, he affirmed.

One possible opportunity could be from the UK Royal Air Force (RAF), should the soon-to-be released British Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 announce the reacquisition of a maritime patrol capability. When asked if the company would offer the A320neo for such a British requirement, he stated: “It depends on the requirements of the RAF. If the UK only wants a reduced fleet, of only five aircraft, it would be very difficult to meet that need with the A320.”

In the event that the British sought to acquire new maritime patrol aircraft in tranches, “we’ll have to consider the requirement”. Otherwise, the company will offer the maritime patrol version of the C295, which, he affirmed, would meet most of the RAF’s requirements.

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