With an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor and a multi-mission radar, the C295 performs aerial border surveillance and data dissemination.

The EO/IR turret provides TV video in high definition, along with IR imaging, a long-range zoom and laser rangefinder. Video also can be downlinked in real-time to ground troops equipped with handheld terminals, as well as to command and control centres. The SAR (synthetic aperture radar) enables terrain imaging and GMTI (Ground Moving Target Indicator) functionality.

With more than 11 hours of endurance in the ISR mission role, the C295 remains connected with a comprehensive communication suite that includes a wide-band data link, Ku/Ka-band SATCOM, as well as HF and V/UHF radios.

The C295 Armed ISR can serve as a long-endurance surveillance platform, outfitted with a comprehensive set of laser-guided weapons and an EO/IR-guided autocannon to conduct cost-effective close air support (CAS) operations. It offers the longest endurance in its class with a wide fuselage cross-section for crew comfort and functionality during extended surveillance missions.

At the heart of the ISR version is Airbus’ Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) – a state-of-the-art mission system that results from the company’s 30-plus years of experience in the ISR field, perfecting its features and the integration with the aircraft. The FITS system is proven on some 100 aircraft flown by a variety of operators.

The C295’s self-protection equipment includes cockpit armour, chaff/flare dispensers, along with radar warning (RWR), missile warning (MAWS) and laser warning (LWS) systems.

See also other C295 variants