The Ministry of Defense of France and Airbus Military have signed a contract for the acquisition of eight CN235-300 aircraft for the French Air Force.
Delivery of the newly ordered CN235s will begin middle of next year as a measure to replace part of the aging C160-Transalls when used for missions involving the transport of less than six tonnes of payload.
These aircraft come in addition to the 19 CN235-200 already in operation with the French Air Force. They will help developing light transport, logistics, and paratroop training missions. Recently, three Fort de France (French Caribbean) based CN235s significantly contributed to the Haiti relief activities.
The maintenance of the new aircraft will be handled by Airbus Military through the FISS (Full In Service Support) agreement.
“We are very pleased that the French Air Force has once more selected one member of our product family. This contract once more demonstrates that we have the right product range to satisfy their most varied needs in terms of strategic and tactical transport needs" said Domingo Ureña, CEO of Airbus Military.
To date, more than 800 Airbus Military Light and Medium aircraft have been ordered by 128 customers and nations, of which 645 are in service in 57 countries both for military and civic/humanitarian missions.
About CN235
Able to carry up to six tons of payload and a maximum cruise speed of 240 kt (450 km/h), the CN235 is able to take off from and land on short, semi-prepared runways with soft surfaces thanks to its Short Take Off and Landing (STOL) characteristics and the strong landing gear with tandem low-pressure tyre. Its excellent handling qualities, high manoeuvrability and fast engine (two General Electric GE CT7-9CE-3, 1750 shp) response allow safe critical operations at a very low altitude. Outstanding reliability and supportability result in high aircraft availability and the lowest life cycle cost (LCC) in its class.
Airbus Military
Airbus Military is the only military and civic transport aircraft manufacturer to develop, produce, sell and support a comprehensive family of airlifters ranging from three to 45 tons of payload. Within Airbus, Airbus Military is responsible for the A400M program, as well as for military tanker transport derivatives based on Airbus civil aircraft, with the integration of the state of the art flight-refueling boom (ARBS) which is unique of its kind. With the C295, CN235 and C212, Airbus Military is the global leader in the market segments for light and medium-sized military transport aircraft. Altogether Airbus Military has sold more than 1,000 aircraft with over 650 flying with more than 100 operators worldwide.
