TSAMTO, July 30. The command of the Czech Armed Forces announced the arrival on July 28 at Prague-Kbely airport of the second of two new VTA C-295MW (b.n. 0482) aircraft purchased from Airbus Defense and Space S. A.
Thus, the Czech Air Force now has 6 aircraft of the C-295 line. Within the next few days, after completing the necessary administrative procedures, the new C-295MW will be fully ready for operation.
As reported by TSAMTO, Airbus Defense and Space signed a contract with the command of the Czech Air Force for the supply of two additional BTA C-295MW aircraft in December 2019. The agreement also included the supply of spare parts, ground equipment, and training of personnel. The sale cost was 1.94 billion rubles. Czech crowns.
At the same time, a contract was signed for the modernization of four previously delivered C-295 aircraft during 2021-2022. Currently, the first aircraft is being upgraded at the Airbus enterprise in Seville. At the end of next year, all six C-295s will have the same configuration, with the exception of wing modifications.
The first new BTA C-295MW (b.n. 0481) aircraft was received by representatives of the Czech Armed Forces at the enterprise in Seville on May 7, 2021 and arrived at Prague-Kbely airport on May 19, 2021. At the moment, its flight time is about 80 hours. The second C-295MW was received in Seville on July 19.
The contract is worth 3.95 billion. CZK (about 132 million euros) for the supply of the first 4 C-295M aircraft was signed by the Czech Ministry of Defense with the Czech company Omnipol, which, according to Czech law, acted as an intermediary during the purchase, in May 2009. The aircraft were delivered during 2010, but due to various technical problems, their full operation began only in 2013. At the moment, the flight time of these aircraft exceeds 17,000 hours. For 11 years, they have transported more than 120 thousand passengers and about 4,000 tons of cargo.
The main distinguishing feature of the new C-295MW are winglets on the wingtips. The wings and improved Pratt and Whitney Canada PW 127G turboprop engines increase the load capacity of the aircraft by 900-1000 kg, which is especially important when used in hot or high-altitude conditions. Due to the lower aerodynamic drag of the wings, fuel consumption was reduced by 3-4%. At the same time, the C-295MW with one engine is capable of flying 460 m higher, and with two engines – 1400 m higher than the base version. By reducing fuel consumption, the flight range increases by 10-15%. The aircraft is equipped with more modern communication, navigation and avionics systems, a modern flight planning system, and satellite communications.
