PAF Accepts 2 New Indonesian-Made Aircraft

20 Juni 2018

NC-212i of the PAF (all photos : IMF)

According to PTDirgantara Indonesia (Indonesian Aerospace), the Philippine Air Force (PAF) officially accepted the two light lift fixed-wing NC-212i aircraft on June 19.

The Indonesian aircraft manufacturer said the acceptance was made after completing ferry flight and acceptance test process.

The 2 aircraft took off from Husein Sastranegara International Airport in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia for Clark International Airport in Pampanga for delivery in early June.

These aircraft will be serving under PAF’s 220th Airlift Wing.

The Philippine government contracted Indonesian Aerospace to build two NC-212i aircraft in January 2014. The delivery was delayed due to an issue between Indonesian Aerospace and the contracted autopilot supplier.

“The NC212i aircraft can be used strategically for producing artificial rain, maritime patrol and coast guard patrol. It can also be utilized for the following missions: passenger and troop transport, cargo/logistic transport, anti-smuggling control, immigration control, search and rescue, paratroop dropping, and medical evacuation,” PAF said.

“Compared to the previous NC212, the new model has a carrying capacity of 28 passengers, a digital avionic and next generation autopilot. It features a ramp access, next generation navigation and communication system, as well as, cheaper operational cost. Moreover, the said aircraft is capable of taking-off and landing on unpaved runway,” PAF added.

PAF also noted that though it has been using the previous generation aircraft which is the C212, this is the “first Indonesian aircraft ordered by the Philippines and is the latest generation of the NC212.”

(Mintfo)