To Be Demonstrated at Alabama Army Facilities

The EADS North America "All American C-295 Tour" is coming to two US Army facilities in Alabama this week as part of a 32-day tour to demonstrate the medium-sized military airlifter's capabilities for US Army and National Guard missions.

The visit included briefings and demonstration flights by EADS CASA North America at the Army Aviation Center, Ft. Rucker Thursday, and will include the same at the Redstone Arsenal's Army Aviation and Missile Command on May 21.

The C-295's extensive "All American tour" - which began May 17 - is going from coast-to-coast for briefings and familiarization flights in ten states: Virginia, North Carolina, Alabama, Texas, Idaho, California, Oregon, Alaska, South Dakota and Vermont. It is organized by Washington(DC)-based EADS North America and by EADS CASA North America -- which represents the EADS Military Transport Aircraft Division that designs, manufactures and commercializes the company's family of light and medium transport aircraft.

Prior to its arrival in Alabama, the C-295 stopped in Fayetteville (NC), where the elite US Army Golden Knights parachute team made four evaluation jumps from the aircraft at altitudes up to 13,500 feet.

Ralph Crosby, EADS North America's Chairman and CEO, said the C-295 "All America tour" comes at a time when intra-theater lift capability is increasingly important for the US in its deployment and support of forces at home and abroad. "The lessons learned from Iraq and Afghanistan, combined with homeland security needs within North America, have underscored the necessity for a capable, and efficient, medium-sized airlifter," Crosby explained. "The C-295 is perfectly tailored for these missions. As an in-production, in-service aircraft, it offers a no-risk solution to the US military's mission requirements."

The multi-mission C-295 is the largest member of EADS' family of light/medium military transport aircraft. It offers the best value for users - with acquisition and direct operating costs that are lower than any other aircraft in its category. The C-295 retains the proven mission and handling characteristics of the smaller EADS CN-235, which has been sold to more than 20 countries worldwide, including the US for the Coast Guard's Deepwater Program's maritime patrol mission.

FMI: www.c295-tour.com