Airbus’ association with the Indian aerospace sector goes a long way, one that is built on mutual trust, commitment and cooperation. The company is actively supporting India’s military modernisation as well as the nation’s endeavours to develop the defence manufacturing ecosystem. In this backdrop, the formalisation of the acquisition of 56 Airbus C295 aircraft to replace the Indian Air Force (IAF) legacy AVRO fleet, has opened the doors for the first ‘Make in India’ aerospace programme for the private sector. Furthermore, Airbus is looking forward to offering its versatile maritime hunter, the C295 MPA aircraft to the Indian Navy to meet its strategic requirements.
C295 MPA
The C295 MPA is a long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft capable of performing long endurance missions for detecting submarines and small targets. Based on the well-known C295 military transport aircraft, C295 MPA has the longest endurance in its class (more than 10 h) and a state of the art tactical system (FITS) to integrate a full set of mission sensors and weapons.
The aircraft has high manoeuvrability (3g capable) and excellent low-level flying qualities. The wide rear ramp door is well-suited for deployment of SAR life raft chains, emergency equipment and paratroops. The platform is equipped with self-protection capability, under wing stations for weapons or pods, armament system integrated with mission consoles and torpedoes launching capabilities (already certified and in operation).
Airbus VSR700
The Airbus VSR700 is a new unmanned aerial system developed to meet major navies’ requirements with a view to future developments matching the requirements of land forces as well as public service and potential civil applications.
Optimal sizing for a naval UAV – The VSR700 is equipped with a unique autonomous take-off and landing (ATOL) system allowing operations from a military vessel helicopter platform in the roughest conditions. It is large enough for a full tactical ISTAR support payload – a naval radar, EOS and AIS, or a Communications relay pack, or SAR stores, it will have, in future, capability to carry sonobuoys, electronic warfare and air to surface weapons.
Extended persistence and range – With its high payload capacity and its low fuel consumption of kerosene and diesel fuels, the VSR700 offers an optimum balance of high quality sensors and extended persistence. The initial capability of light ISR sensors for 8 hours will rapidly be extended in the next evolutions to the radar, EOS and AIS used in helicopters for a target of 10 hours, giving 8 hours on task at 80 miles.
A tactical capability enhancement for the ship – The concept for the VSR700 is to be a ship’s tactical capability enhancement. The flexibility of the system will enable control by aircraft as Manned Unmanned Teaming (MUMT) capability. Already developed by Airbus Helicopters, MUMT will be included in VSR700 to further extend its versatility. In addition, when the secure BLOS (Beyond Line Of Sight) technology permits, capability for remote land or other centres to effect control will be embedded in the VSR700.
System ready to be certified using unmatched technologies – The VSR700 uses the fully EASA & FAA certified Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter as its base platform. The automatic take-off and landing system is based on Airbus DeckFinder technology that is the most advanced in the world.
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