Côte d'Ivoire signs for C295 airlifter

Côte d’Ivoire has signed for a single Airbus Defence and Space C295 tactical transport aircraft, the manufacturer announced on 21 January.

Côte d'Ivoire has signed for a single C295 to augment its An-26 and An-12 transport aircraft. (Airbus)

The Côte d’Ivoire Air Force (Force Aérienne de la Côte d’Ivoire) is acquiring the aircraft in its baseline transport configuration to augment the two Antonov An-26 ‘Curl’ airlifters it acquired in 2018, and the An-12 ‘Cub’ it acquired in 2005.

Airbus DS did not disclose a contract value, which would likely include infrastructure, training, and support, or provide a delivery timeline. While the company noted only that the aircraft is to be delivered in its baseline transport configuration, this now includes winglets and modified engines for greater fuel economy and/or range. This version is designated C295W.

According to Airbus DS, the winglet and engine modifications add 3–6% in overall performance, with just a 30 kg weight penalty. Figures released by the company show an increase of 320 km in the aircraft’s range and 30 minutes of additional time on station. In addition, the engine upgrade alone affords an extra 1.5 tonnes in payload in hot and high conditions.

Airbus Military first flew a C295 fitted with the winglet and engine modifications in December 2012 with the stated aim of improving the type’s hot and high runway performance, while increasing its range, endurance, and payload at the same time as reducing operating costs.

Once delivered, the C295 is likely to join the rest of the air forces transport fleet at Abidjan Airport.