Air Force awaiting 3 Airbuses

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will soon receive the first of three Airbus C295 medium transport aircraft ordered from Airbus Defence and Space (ADS).

The website of ADS, a leading world player in the space industry and Europe’s number-one provider, said the aircraft was formally turned over in Seville, Spain, where the final assembly line is located, and was being ferried to the Philippines.

According to the ADS, the C295 is “a new generation, very robust and reliable highly versatile tactical airlifter able to carry up to nine tons of payload or up to 71 personnel at a maximum cruise speed of 480 kilometers per hour.

It said the C295 will play a key role in the PAF’s modernization of its transport fleet and undertake a variety of military and humanitarian missions.

Fitted with retractable landing gear and a pressurized cabin, it can cruise at up to 25,000 feet while retaining short takeoff and landing performance on short, soft and rough airstrips; it also has low-level flight characteristics.

The plane, considered a tactical workhorse with the lowest fuel burn, is powered by two Pratt and Whitney Canada turboprop engines with low fuel consumption and consequently long endurance of up to 11 hours in the air.

The ADS said the C295 is combat proven and has flown military missions in all types of environment.

Lt. Col. Enrico Canaya, PAF spokesman, said the plane is expected in Manila at the end of the month. It will be presented to the media and undergo an acceptance process.

He said the aircraft will be a welcome addition to the three C-130s currently in the PAF inventory.–Cynthia D. Balana