Although the C-295MPA is newer, it will be difficult for this aircraft to surpass the veteran P-3C Orion anti-submarine aircraft.
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| Recently, the famous military aircraft manufacturer Airbus Defence brought its latest generation of anti-submarine aircraft C-295MPA to a series of countries in Asia, including Vietnam, for demonstration. The purpose of this trip is of course none other than to sell the new generation of anti-submarine patrol aircraft to potential customers. Photo source: Airlines.net |
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| Notably, Vietnam is also currently using the C-295M transport aircraft – the basic chassis for the development of the C-295MPA version. Therefore, Vietnam is considered one of Airbus’s major potential customers. However, it will not be easy for the C-295MPA when Vietnam has already “marked” the P-3C Orion anti-submarine aircraft. Photo source: Defence-Studies |
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| The C-295MPA is a multi-role maritime patrol aircraft developed on the basis of the C-295 military transport aircraft. It is equipped with modern technology that allows it to perform many missions including maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-surface warfare. The first C-295MPAs were exported to the Chilean Navy in 2010. Photo source: Airlines.net |
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| The C-295MPA anti-submarine aircraft is designed based on the C-295 transport version with some improved parts to help reduce weight. In addition, the landing gear helps the aircraft to take off and land on short and inconvenient runways, the two sides of the aircraft's wings are integrated with hard points to hang weapons, reconnaissance equipment, jamming equipment... The tail door of the aircraft is designed to be able to fit packages measuring about 2.2 x 2.8m, in addition, the C-295MPA can also drop life-saving equipment (when performing rescue missions), parachute,... Photo source: Airlines.net |
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| The C-295MPA is equipped with 2 PW127 turboprop engines, helping it reach a maximum speed of 480 km/h, a ceiling of 7,620m, a maximum takeoff weight of 23,200 kg, a flight reserve of 11 hours, and a maximum range of 5,630 km. Photo source: Airlines.net |
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| The C-295MPA is integrated with many modern electronic devices, radars, and reconnaissance systems, including: surface reconnaissance radar, electro-optical systems, jamming, friend-or-foe identification equipment, satellite communications, Link 11 system, and sonar system. In the photo is the control compartment of the C-295MPA's combat system. Photo source: Airbus |
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| The C-295MPA aircraft also possesses the ability to deploy many types of weapons including anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, mines, depth charges... However, the weapons equipped on it are still incomplete, some of which are still in the testing and evaluation phase. Photo source: Airbus |
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| The C-295MPA anti-submarine version successfully launched a torpedo for the first time in May 2010. In addition, the C-295 also successfully launched the Marte MK2/S anti-ship missile (of MBDA). Photo source: Airbus |
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| Although it possesses many modern technologies and is a newly produced aircraft, that is also the disadvantage of the C-295MPA compared to the P-3C Orion anti-submarine aircraft. The weakness here is that the C-295MPA is too new, it has not undergone many challenges, and has not been proven to be effective compared to the legendary P-3C Orion. Photo source: Airlines.net |
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| The P-3 Orion entered service in August 1962 with the US Navy and was later exported to many allied countries. During its service, the P-3 Orion and its variants participated in many combat operations and achieved many feats. It also proved its capabilities in anti-submarine warfare. Photo source: Airlines.net |
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| Although this aircraft is no longer in production and if you want to buy it, you must use a used aircraft. However, according to contractor Lockheed Martin, the upgraded P-3C Orion aircraft can operate for an additional 15,000 flight hours. And in fact, the operations of this aircraft in the world are quite safe and reliable. Photo source: Airlines.net |
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| The P-3C's flight range is also quite good, it has an operating range of up to 8,900 km, can fly continuously for 12 hours, take off from the coast of Vietnam and fly at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level and patrol continuously for 3 hours with a combat radius of nearly 250 km, while the "width" between the Philippines and Vietnam is only 1,200 km. In principle, the aircraft can operate continuously for 12 hours, however, when flying in fuel-saving mode, the P-3C can operate continuously for up to 17 hours. A P-3C aircraft can perform 8 missions around the naval base in Cam Ranh Bay. Photo source: Airlines.net |
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| The P-3C Orion's armament has also been completed and has performed many combat missions in its operational history and proven its effectiveness. Accordingly, the P-3C Orion can not only carry anti-submarine weapons (torpedoes and depth charges), but can also carry AIM-9 air-to-air missiles for self-defense. The C-295MPA may be able to in the future, but not at present. Photo source: defense industry daily |
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| The P-3C's weapons payload is also much larger than the C-295MPA with 10 wing pylons and 8 fuselage pylons, allowing it to carry up to 9.1 tons of bombs and missiles. In the photo, the P-3C launches an AGM-65 Maverick missile - this weapon is specialized for air-to-ground, but historically, the P-3C has used this missile as an air-to-sea missile. Photo source: defence industry daily |
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| P-3C fires an AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship cruise missile. Photo source: defence industry daily |
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| Obviously, although older, the P-3C has the advantage of experience and more complete electronics and weapons than the C-295MPA. Therefore, it is unlikely that Vietnam will choose the C-295MPA and instead still hold out hope for the P-3C Orion. Photo source: flickr |
According to Kienthuc
