RCAF receives first Kingfisher
The first CC-295 for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF’s) Fixed Wing Search and Rescue Aircraft Replacement (FWSAR) programme arrived at Canadian Forces Base Comox on 25 September.
The RCAF will now complete aircrew training at Comox, followed by operational testing. During the transition period and while the CC-295 is being operationalised, fixed-wing SAR services will continue through existing aircraft as well as the CH-149 Cormorant and CH-146 Griffon helicopters.
CC-295 is the RCAF designation for the Airbus C295.
The RCAF is set to receive 16 aircraft (dubbed Kingfisher) in total for FWSAR, along with all in-service support elements including simulation, training and engineering services; construction of a new training centre in Comox; and maintenance and support services.
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