13 June 2018
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has received finally two (2) NC-212i series 400 light tactical aircraft it ordered from Indonesia's PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) in 2013, after series of delays associated with its Autopilot System forcing PTDI to replace another product due to licensing issues with supplier. A new Genesys Aerosystems autopilot was installed paving the way for its delivery to the Philippines on June 8 after aircraft certification was secured by CASA Airbus Military, its Manufacturer.
The acquisition of NC212-400i will enhance the PAF’s humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) and security efforts as they will be used for passenger and troop transport, cargo and logistic delivery, anti-smuggling and immigration control, search and rescue, paratroop dropping, and medical evacuation.
These two NC212i turboprop-powered STOL light lift/transport aircraft will be assigned to the 223rd Airlift Squadron of the 220th Airlift Wing based in Mactan Airbase, Cebu.
Airbus Defence & Space (Airbus Military) entered a deal with PTDI in April 2013 to develop the type, an upgraded version of the C212 tactical transport. The two companies first announced plans for the NC212i in November 2012.
The NC212-400i aircraft offers new digital avionics and a new autopilot as compared to the -200 variant. The upgraded variant will have a capacity for up to 28 passengers, compared with 25 for the C212. The NC212i is powered by two Honeywell turboprops with 925 shp (690 kW) TPE331-12JR-701C engines.
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