MADRID, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Brazil's fleet of C295 aircraft, made by Spain's Airbus Military, has reached 25.000 flight hours after six years of successful operation.
The 12 aircraft fly mainly in Amazonia and Mato Grosso, areas where the airplanes are vital for the local population.
Airbus Military said the aircraft carry out operations such as the transport of basic necessities, medical evacuation and military missions from the bases of Manaus, Amazonia, and Campo Grande in Mato Grosso do Sul, with the support of the maintenance center PAMA Sao Paulo.
"We are very proud to see the C295 operating so successfully with the Brazilian air force," said Philippe Galland, Airbus Military head of Customers Services. "Passing these 25.000 flight hours is a clear demonstration of the reliability and versatility the C295 offers to the air force."
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"Since the C295 aircraft -- called C-105 Amazonas by the Brazilian air force -- entered service in 2007, more than a mere commercial relationship has developed between the Aeronautics Command and Airbus Military, the company responsible for the fleet's logistic support," said Brig. Jorge Luiz Alves de Barros Santos.
"A real partnership has emerged which, over the years, has enabled a wide variety of missions, from search and rescue to humanitarian operations, to be performed throughout Brazil and abroad.
"Today, the Brazilian fleet of C295s has clocked up more than 25,000 flight hours and, to our great satisfaction, has reached 100 percent availability thanks to this partnership, hard work and the commitment of all the professionals involved, both from Airbus Military and the (Brazilian air force)," he said.
The contract between the Brazilian air force and Airbus Military was signed in 2005. It included maintenance for five years, an agreement that was extended in 2010 for another five years.
In addition to this operation, in September Airbus Military received acceptance from the Brazilian air force of the full-flight simulator for the C295 in the Air Base of Manaus, with only one administrative procedure left before full delivery. The full-flight simulator is part of the contract for the purchase of the 12 C295 aircraft and will allow the Brazilian air force complete autonomy in the training for its crew.
Airbus Military has sold a total of 83 C295 aircraft to 12 operators.
Airbus said the new-generation C295 is the ideal aircraft for defense and civic mission. Thanks to its robustness and reliability, and with simple systems, the medium-sized tactical airlifter provides wide versatility and flexibility, necessary for personnel, troop and bulky/palletized cargo transportation, casualty evacuation, communication and logistic duties or certified air-dropping capabilities, the company said.
The aircraft's mix of dual technology civil/military equipment ensure success on tactical missions.
The C295 is part of Airbus Military's family of light and medium airlifters, which include the smaller C212 and CN235 platforms.
Airbus Military is the only military and civil 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 tons.
An Airbus subsidiary, Airbus Military is responsible for the A400M program, the A330 Multi-role Tanker Transport and other military derivatives based on Airbus civil aircraft.
