Aircraft
Canada Chooses Airbus C295W for Search and Rescue
Major win for best-selling twin turboprop over rival C-27J, and the new Embraer KC-390 jet, after a long evaluation.
An artist's impression of the C295W in Canadian search-and-rescue colors. (Image: Airbus DS)
An artist's impression of the C295W in Canadian search-and-rescue colors. (Image: Airbus DS)

Canada selected the Airbus C295W to meet its long-standing fixed-wing search-and-rescue (FWSAR) requirement. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) will buy 16 of the twin turboprops with modifications that allow the aircraft to airdrop para-rescue forces. Deliveries will start three years after conclusion of the contract, which will be worth a reported $2.3 billion. The C295Ws will replace aging DHC-5 Buffalo and C-130H Hercules.