CN-235-200/220 was seen as an improved CN-235 with structural refinements throughout as well as better field performance and operational range. CASA completed 200 of this standard and IPTN added 220 of its own production. CN-235-300 introduced a Honeywell-based avionics fit and some minor changes. The CN-235-330 "Phoenix" was based on the -200 / -220 series aircraft and intended to compete for the Australian Project Air 5190 tactical airlifter but fell to naught. The CN-235 MPA became a dedicated maritime patrol design with provision for carrying and launching Anti-Ship Missiles (ASMs) and air-launched torpedoes. HC-144 "Ocean Sentry" became another dedicated maritime development, introduced for service in 2009, and adopted by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) - eighteen of this type were procured.
For those global parties interest in an attack model with excellent handling and loitering capabilities, the AC-235 was developed. This gunship-minded form is armed through a 30mm cannon (facing to the side, the aircraft banking to engage), rocket pods and missiles as well as carrying full radar functionality for low-light / nighttime work. The design is intended to challenge the likes of the Lockheed AC-130 Hercules series gunships and similar platform.
A few airline concerns managed small stocks of CN-235s as passenger-haulers but these did not find much notable success in the role.
The CN-295 is still marketed under the brand label of Airbus Defence & Space as a "lower cost tactical airlifter" (EADS merged with CASA to produce "EADS CASA" which was absorbed into the Airbus Military brand in 2009). It has proven a versatile performer, offering Short-Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capabilities on prepared or rough airfields and is known as a reliable product. Airbus DS also headlines the troubled A400M "Atlas" heavy-lifter development (detailed elsewhere on this site) as well as the C-212 light transport.
Content ©MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.