Dubai Airshow 2019: UAE-based Calidus secures domestic COIN aircraft order

United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Calidus has secured the first order for its B-250 turboprop aircraft designed for light attack counter-insurgency (COIN).

The order, announced at the Dubai Air Show on 20 November, covers 24 aircraft and associated services for the UAE Air Force and Defence (UAE AF & AD) and is valued at AED2.27 billion (USD620 million). No details pertaining to delivery timelines or in-service dates were disclosed.

Seen for the first time at the Dubai Airshow in 2017, the UAE-developed Calidus B-250 is a light attack COIN aircraft provisioned with an EO/IR sensor and seven hardpoints. The UAE AF & DF has become the first customer, with an order for 24 announced on 20 November. (Collins Aerospace)

First revealed at the same event in 2017, the B-250 is a single-engined, tandem twin-seat aircraft that is being developed in the UAE by Calidus with input from Brazilian company Novaer.

As noted at its unveiling two years ago, the aircraft uses the Collins Aerospace (formerly Rockwell Collins) Pro Line Fusion avionics suite; is fitted with a retractable electro-optical/infrared sensor turret; and is provisioned with six underwing and one under fuselage hardpoints. Besides the COIN role, the aircraft is billed as being suitable for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); close air support (CAS); and advanced pilot training.