Airbus Defense and Space has signed a MoU with Canadian Coulson Group regarding development of the fire fighting version of its C-295W m...
Airbus Defense and Space has signed a MoU with Canadian Coulson Group regarding development of the fire fighting version of its C-295W military transport aircraft.
Under the terms of the agreement The Coulson Group, through its operating company Coulson Aircrane Ltd, will develop and manufacture a version of its Retardant Dropping System (RDS) proven on the C-130 water bomber, for C-295W.
The system installed in the C295W will consist of two roll-on-roll-off internal tanks, which after the fire season can be easily removed. The highly versatile C295W will then be available for its conventional role as a ramp-equipped, multi-role transport able to carry cargo, troops, paratroops or stretchers.
The RDS for the C295W comprises two internal tanks of 3,500 litres each able to transport water or retardant and able to be refilled in under seven minutes.
When dropping, the flow-rate can be adjusted via the cockpit control panel according to the desired coverage, aircraft speed and height over terrain.
A prototype C295W water bomber has been flying since 2013.
Coulson Aircrane specialize in Aerial firefighting worldwide, and operate a Commercial fleet of firefighting C-130H Hercules aircraft and Sikorsky S-61 helicopters in the United States, Canada and Australia.
The C-295W is the latest enhanced variant of the type available since 2014, featuring winglets and uprated PW127 engines. The airlifter is capable of carrying 9 tonne payload.
