Os polonese escolheram o C295 para substituir uma variada gama de aeronaves russas e ucranianas e as tem utilizado intensivamente em lugares distantes e inospitos como o Iraque e o Afeganistao.
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OPERATOR PROFILE
The Polish Air Force's C-295 transports are demonstrating their capabilities in service to some of the world's most challenging operational environments, including airlift missions to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Polish troops deployed in these international hotspots.
July 15, 2005
Poland acquired the C-295 to modernize its multi-role airlift fleet, which was based on Russian- and Ukrainian-built Antonov An-28, An-26 and An-2 fixed-wing aircraft, as well as Russian Mil Mi-2 and Mi-8 helicopters.
Poland has acquired eight C-295s for operation by the Polish Air Force’s 13th Airlift Squadron.
The country's C-295s are operated by the 13th Airlift Squadron at Krakow, which has received all eight aircraft ordered by Poland.
Lt. Edward Laszczak said the C-295 is highly appreciated by the 13th Airlift Squadron's pilots, who have come to depend on the aircraft's excellent maneuverability, performance and reliability.
"The maneuverability is very impressive, and – in contrast with the An-26 – there are no limitations in bank angle," Laszczak explained. "In addition, the C-295's engines provide the power and response we need in our operations."
Laszczak said these attributes are extremely important in regular missions flown by the 13th Airlift Squadron to Iraq's Talil Air Base, Baghdad Airport and Bashra, as well as to Afghanistan. These flights are used to rotate Polish troops and support equipment on their deployments to Iraq, as well as Polish paratroopers assigned to Afghanistan.
To reduce the aircraft's exposure to ground fire and surface-to-air missiles, pilots use a spiral tactical approach into hostile areas that begins at an altitude of approximately 15,000 ft. above the runway. During the spiral descent, the landing gear and flaps are deployed, and the aircraft rolls out on the final approach about one mile from the runway threshold.
The 13th Airlift Squadron's C-295s carry countermeasures dispensers that are located in pairs of two under the main landing gear fairing on each side of the aircraft, along with a double pair of dispensers on the aft fuselage under the tail.
Two of the country's C-295s have been equipped with radar-warning receivers, and Polish officials said two more radar-warning receivers will be acquired. Plans also call for missile approach warning systems on to be installed on four of the C-295s.
Protection for flight crews is enhanced with four sets of removable cockpit armor, which are installed when aircraft are deployed to areas with known threats.
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e volta a idade da pedra.
