Canada selects Airbus C295W for fixed-wing search and rescue

Trenton, Canada – The Government of Canada has selected the Airbus C295W aircraft for its Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) program.

As part of the FWSAR program, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) will receive 16 C295Ws modified for Search and Rescue (SAR).

The contract will also include in service support, provided through a joint venture between Airbus Defence and Space and PAL Aerospace.

PAL Aerospace will be responsible for the In-Service Support which covers all aspects of the maintenance work not undertaken by the Royal Canadian Air Force technicians. It will include high value work such as repairs, 2nd and 3rd level maintenance, future modification work, and depot level maintenance of the aircraft.

Simon Jacques, Head of Airbus Defence and Space in Canada said: "We are acutely conscious of the importance of search and rescue in Canada's vast and challenging territory and we are honored to have been selected to provide the aircraft and service to ensure that the role is carried out effectively."

The C295W features substantial Canadian content. Every C295 is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada engines, pilots and technicians will be trained at a new facility developed by CAE in Comox, British Columbia, and the electro-optical systems for FWSAR will be provided by L3 Wescam of Burlington, Ontario. In-service support for the life of the program will be provided by AirPro, a joint venture between Airbus Defence and Space and PAL Aerospace of St John's, Newfoundland. In-service support will be conducted by Canadians in Canada.

Jacques added: "About 20% of the aircraft is already Canadian, meaning that it already serves as a global ambassador for the skills, innovation, and expertise of Canadians. Now it will get to serve them directly."

Canada's C295Ws will be delivered starting three years after contract award. In service, they will join five Airbus CC-150 aircraft used in the air-to-air refueling, transport, and VIP travel roles.

The C295 serves applications including search and rescue, maritime patrol, air-to-air refueling, fire-fighting, and troop transport.

When the contract is finalized, 185 C295s will have been ordered by 25 countries.

Sources: Airbus Defence and Space, PAL Aerospace