Tata Aircraft Airbus C- 295 : A Game-Changer for Indian Military Aviation

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez inaugurated the Tata Advanced Systems Limited’s (TASL) new C-295 aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat. The facility is India’s first private-sector Final Assembly Line (FAL) for military aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the country’s pursuit of defence self-reliance. This project highlights the growing partnership between India and Spain, aimed at elevating India’s defense manufacturing capabilities and reinforcing the mission, “Make in India, Make for the World.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is also excited for the new facility and he said that this a special day for Indian Aerospace Industry.

 

C-295 Program :

Program Name: C-295 Tactical Transport Aircraft Program

Objective: To replace the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) aging Avro HS 748 fleet with a modern, tactical transport aircraft.

Key Partners:

  1. Airbus Defence and Space (Prime Contractor)
  2. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) (Indian Partner)

Program Highlights:

  1. Indigenous Manufacturing: 40% of the aircraft’s components will be manufactured in India.
  2. Technology Transfer: Airbus will transfer technology to TASL for production and maintenance.
  3. Job Creation: Estimated 6,000-8,000 jobs created in India.
  4. Make in India: Embodies the spirit of Make in India, promoting indigenous defense manufacturing.

Program Benefits:

  1. Enhanced Logistics: Improved tactical transport capabilities for IAF.
  2. Increased Strategic Reach: Enables rapid deployment of troops and equipment.
  3. Modernization: Replaces aging Avro fleet, upgrading IAF’s transport capabilities.
  4. Self-Reliance: Boosts India’s defense manufacturing capabilities.

Program Timeline:

  1. 2015: Contract signed
  2. 2017: Program kickoff
  3. 2022: First aircraft delivery
  4. 2025: Completion of deliveries

In 2021, India’s Ministry of Defence signed a ₹21,935-crore agreement with Airbus defence and Space SA, Spain, to supply 56 C-295 transport aircraft to replace the Indian Air Force’s aging Avro-748 planes. Under this contract, 16 planes are to be delivered fully assembled from Spain, while the remaining 40 are to be assembled in India at the new TASL facility in Vadodara. According to officials, the first aircraft produced locally in Vadodara will be completed by September 2026, with all 40 units scheduled for delivery by August 2031.

The Vadodara facility is not only tasked with assembling the aircraft but is expected to handle the complete production lifecycle, from component manufacturing to assembly, testing, and final delivery, with a future potential to support maintenance and upgrade services. An official statement from PM Modi’s office described the setup as “a complete ecosystem from manufacture to assembly, test and qualification, to delivery and maintenance of the complete lifecycle of the aircraft.

Indigenous Production & Supply Chain

Indigenous Production:

  1. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) is the Indian partner for the C-295 program.
  2. 40% of the aircraft’s components will be manufactured in India.
  3. TASL will produce:
    • Wings
    • Rear fuselage
    • Tail sections
    • Other structural components
  4. Indigenous production will create jobs and stimulate local economy.

Supply Chain:

  1. Airbus Defence and Space will provide:
    • Aircraft design
    • Engine (Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G)
    • Avionics
    • Other critical systems
  2. TASL will source components from Indian suppliers:
  3. Global suppliers:
    • Pratt & Whitney Canada (engines)
    • Rockwell Collins (avionics)

Indian Suppliers:

  1. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
  2. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
  3. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
  4. Indian private sector companies:
    • Dynamatic Technologies
    • Maini Group
    • SasMos

Indigenous Content:

  1. 40% of the aircraft’s components will be indigenous.
  2. Target: 60% indigenous content by 2025.
  3. Focus on developing Indian supply chain for:
    • Structural components
    • Avionics
    • Engine components
  1. Job creation: Estimated 6,000-8,000 jobs.
  2. Skill development: Training for Indian engineers and technicians.
  3. Technology transfer: From Airbus to TASL.
  4. Increased self-reliance: Reduces dependence on foreign suppliers.

 

Indigenous production and supply chain refers to the process of sourcing materials, manufacturing, and distributing products within the domestic market. By embracing this approach, Indian suppliers can reap the benefits of the Make in India initiative and contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy. With a focus on indigenously sourced content, businesses can not only support local industries but also ensure a more sustainable and resilient supply chain.

 

Advance Capabilities Of C-295 Aircraft :

deccanherald_2023-09_6ae87f37-6ba1-4284-b282-9d8971188222_C295_India_1 Tata Aircraft Airbus C- 295 : A Game-Changer for Indian Military Aviation

Mission Capabilities:

  1. Tactical Transport: Troop transport, cargo transport, and medical evacuation.
  2. Logistics Support: Supply chain management, cargo delivery, and humanitarian aid.
  3. Special Operations: Paratrooping, cargo dropping, and special forces operations.
  4. Disaster Relief: Humanitarian aid, search and rescue, and disaster response.
  5. Medical Evacuation: Medical transport, emergency medical services.

Performance Characteristics:

  1. Range: 5,000 km (3,100 miles)
  2. Speed: Cruise speed 480 km/h (300 mph)
  3. Ceiling: 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
  4. Takeoff/ Landing Distance: 670 m (2,200 ft)
  5. Payload: 9,000 kg (19,842 lbs)

Avionics and Electronics:

  1. Glass Cockpit: Advanced avionics, autopilot, and flight management system.
  2. Navigation: GPS, INS, and terrain-following radar.
  3. Communication: HF, VHF, and UHF communication systems.
  4. Surveillance: Weather radar, FLIR, and electronic support measures.

Safety Features:

  1. Advanced Weather Radar
  2. Terrain Following Radar
  3. Collision Avoidance System
  4. Emergency Locator Transmitter
  5. Fire Detection and Suppression System

Operational Features:

  1. Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL)
  2. Rough Field Capabilities
  3. High-Altitude Operations
  4. Night Vision Goggle (NVG) Compatible
  5. In-Flight Refueling (optional)

Cargo Capacity:

  1. 71 troops or 50 paratroopers
  2. 9,000 kg (19,842 lbs) payload
  3. 3 pallets (88″ x 108″)
  4. Cargo door: 2.7 m x 1.8 m (9 ft x 6 ft)

Other Features:

  1. Advanced composite materials
  2. Low maintenance costs
  3. High reliability
  4. Modular design for easy upgrades
  5. Compatible with NATO standards

Military Specifications:

  1. NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 3535 compliance
  2. MIL-STD-810G environmental testing
  3. MIL-STD-461F electromagnetic compatibility
  4. The C-295’s advanced capabilities make it an ideal platform for various military and humanitarian missions.

 

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