The CASA C-295M is a twin-turboprop transport aircraft manufactured by Airbus Defense and Space, and it is operated by the Polish Air Force. It is a version of the C-295 transport aircraft, modified for military use and equipped with advanced avionics and mission systems.
The Polish Air Force has been operating the C-295M since 2003, and as of 2021, it has a fleet of 16 aircraft in service. The C-295M has been used for a variety of missions, including troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation, and search and rescue operations. The aircraft has also been used to support Polish military operations in Afghanistan, providing logistics and medical support.
The C-295M has a maximum takeoff weight of around 23,200 kg (51,000 lb) and can carry up to 71 troops or 6,000 kg (13,000 lb) of cargo. It has a range of around 5,600 km (3,500 miles) and can operate from unprepared runways. The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127 turboprop engines.
The C-295M has been designed to operate in various environments, including hot and high-altitude conditions, making it a versatile platform for a range of missions. It can also be equipped with a range of defensive systems to protect against threats, such as infrared missile warning systems and chaff and flare dispensers.
Overall, the C-295M has been a reliable and versatile platform for the Polish Air Force, providing a capable transport aircraft for a range of missions. Its ability to operate from unprepared runways and in various environments has made it a valuable asset for both military and civilian operations.
Maciej "Szamal" Szamałek is an aviation photographer from Poland who specializes in air-to-air photography. For him, photography is a form of play, to express his aviation passion. It helps him to capture fleeting moments and allows him to preserve emotions, sorrows, joys, and memories. It's a constant pursuit to be in the right place at the right time.