Article Posted on : - Dec 07, 2011

Un Casa CN 235. Photo: Sirpa Air.

PARIS (BNS): The French Directorate General for Armaments (DGA) has taken delivery of the first light cargo aircraft type Casa CN235 from Airbus Military.

A contract worth 225 million euros for a total of eight aircraft was awarded to Airbus Military in 2010, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The aircraft will complete the fleet of 19 Casa CN235 currently serving in the Air Force. Deliveries of the aircraft will continue till April 2013.

The aircraft will optimize the distribution of tasks between the three transport fleets C160 Transall, C130 Hercules and Casa CN235 during the rise of the A400M fleet beginning in 2013, it said.

The Casa CN235 is a light tactical transport aircraft that performs logistics missions and skydiving operations. It can carry up to six tonnes of freight or 40 passengers.