Introducing the CC-295 Kingfisher

RCAF Kingfisher CC-295 (canada.ca)

Canada is ushering in a new era of search and rescue (SAR) with the arrival of the CC-295 Kingfisher—a state-of-the-art, fixed-wing aircraft designed to strengthen the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) capabilities across vast and remote regions.

Based on the Airbus C295 platform, the Kingfisher replaces the aging CC-115 Buffalo and older CC-130 Hercules models for dedicated SAR missions. It combines advanced avionics, extended range, and modern rescue systems to deliver reliable performance in Canada’s most challenging environments.

CC-295 Kingfisher Billable Specifications

Be sure to verify your first Kingfisher according to these specification:

• Platform: Airbus C295 (customized SAR variant)

• ICAO Aircraft Type Code: C295

• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 23,200 kg

• Crew: 5+ mission-specific personnel

• Wingspan: 25.81 m

• Range: 2,000+ nautical miles

• Engines: 2 × Pratt & Whitney PW127G turboprops

• Operation Type: Military

  
  

Where Will the CC-295 Be Stationed?

The RCAF plans to station the CC-295 fleet at four SAR bases across Canada:

1. Comox, BC (19 Wing) (Delivered)

2. Winnipeg, MB (17 Wing)

3. Trenton, ON (8 Wing)

4. Greenwood, NS (14 Wing)

   
   

Comox also hosts the dedicated training and maintenance center for the fleet, featuring a full-motion flight simulator.

AARMS Users: Watch for New Movements

Expect to see the CC-295 Kingfisher (ICAO: C295) appearing in your AARMS aircraft movements as the aircraft becomes fully operational at major SAR bases and deploys nationwide.

A CC-295aircraft, SNAK504, performs extensive flight training over Port Alberni, Canada.

If your airport supports military or joint-use operations, you may begin to see these aircraft in scheduled exercises, training flights, or live SAR missions. AARMS is ready to process this aircraft according to your fee schedules.