PHL Air Force Formally Receives 2 New NC-212i Aircraft

27 Juni 2018

NC-212i aircraft of the PAF (photo : PTV)

On June 26, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) formally accepted and blessed two new Indonesian-made light-lift fixed-wing NC-212i aircraft during a ceremony held at Haribon Hangar, Clark Air Base, Pampanga.

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

These aircraft were acquired under the First Horizon of Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program. The Philippine government contracted Indonesian Aerospace to build two NC-212i aircraft in January 2014.

“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)