France begins taking delivery of eight additional Airbus Military CN235s

The Flight Test Centre of the Direction Générale de l’Armament (DGA) of the French Ministry of Defence has taken delivery of the first of eight CN235 medium airlifters ordered from Airbus Military by the French DGA last year.

These eight aircraft will be operated by the French Air Force, to add to the 19 examples it already has in service. The last of the remaining seven aircraft ordered will be delivered by the end of 2012.

The CN235 can carry up to six tonnes of payload and its cabin can be quickly and easily reconfigured for different transport missions: troops, paratroops, medical evacuation, cargo, or a mixed configuration of cargo and troops. It incorporates a specialised loading system for palletized loads.

The flexibility and reliability of the CN235 make it an ideal tool for the French Air Force to conduct both traditional military and „civic missions for the benefit of society. Its short take-off and landing (STOL) performance and its ability to use unprepared and semi-prepared runways allow the CN235 to operate closer to the theatre of operations than other aircraft. This is often crucial when the CN235 is used to transport humanitarian relief after a natural disaster, allowing rapid delivery of supplies closer to where they are needed.

“We are very proud that the French Air Force has trusted once more in Airbus Military and its range of products to strengthen its fleet. The eight CN235 aircraft ordered from France incorporate the latest technologies and systems to ensure the best performance of the missions they will carry out after their entry in service”, said Airbus Military Head of
Programmes, Rafael Tentor.

The French Air Force already operates 19 CN235 aircraft. The Centre d’Essais en Vol of the French Government also operates three Airbus Military C212s.To date, Airbus Military has sold 211 CN235 aircraft to 32 different operators.

About CN235

Able to carry up to six tonnes of payload and with 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 CT7-9C3, 1870 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.

About Airbus Military

Airbus Military is the only military and civic/humanitarian transport aircraft manufacturer to develop, produce, sell and provide support and services for a comprehensive family of airlifters with a payload range of three to 45 tonnes. An Airbus subsidiary, Airbus Military is responsible for the A400M programme, the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and further military derivatives based on Airbus civil aircraft. These, together with the smaller 'Light & Medium' C295, CN235 and C212, make Airbus Military the global leader in the market for military transport, tanker and surveillance aircraft capable of performing the most varied types of missions. Altogether, Airbus Military has sold more than 1,000 aircraft to some 130 military, civil and governmental customers. More than 800 of these aircraft have been delivered. Airbus is an EADS company.


Source: Press Centre - 5 December 2011 - Reuters (www.airbusmilitary.com)

Photo: French Air Force CN235 (airbusmilitary)

(5.12.2011)