Canada takes delivery of first CC-295 fixed-wing search and rescue platform

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) on 25 September took delivery of its first of 16 Airbus Defence and Space C295W (CC-295 in Canadian service) Kingfisher search and rescue aircraft procured as part of the fixed-wing search and rescue (FWSAR) acquisition effort.

Specifically designed to perform SAR missions across Canada, the aircraft is equipped with integrated sensors that will enable crews to locate persons or objects from more than 40 km away, even in low light conditions, according to a Department of National Defence (DND) statement. The CC-295’s communication systems will increase interoperability with other SAR platforms, such as the Leonardo CH-149 Comorant helicopter.

A RCAF Airbus Defense and Space CC-295 search and rescue aircraft as seen on 17 September 2020. The RCAF took delivery of its first of 16 CC-295s on 25 September 2020. (Department of National Defence)

This first aircraft, tail number 501, was formally accepted by Canada in Spain on 18 December 2019. The fleet of 16 aircraft will replace the six de Havilland Canada CC-115 Buffalo and 12 Lockheed CC-130H Hercules fleets in their SAR role at four locations across Canada: Comox, British Columbia; Trenton, Ontario; Greenwood, Nova Scotia; and Winnipeg, Manitoba. Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan said on 25 September that two more CC-295s would be delivered in the coming months with the entire fleet delivered by the end of 2022.

The total programme is worth CAD2.4 billion (USD1.8 billion) and will provide a complete SAR solution, including maintenance and support services, through 2042. The DND expects to start assuming SAR missions with the CC-295 starting in 2022.