The NC212i light military transport aircraft is being manufactured by PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero), in co-operation with Airbus. It is an upgraded version of the C-212-400 maritime patrol aircraft developed by Airbus (formerly EADS CASA).
Persero and Airbus signed an agreement for the development of NC212i, during the LIMA Airshow held in Langkawi, Malaysia, in March 2013.
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The aircraft suits for a variety of mission needs, including troop, VVIP/VIP and cargo transport, maritime surveillance, border patrol, search-and-rescue (SAR), and medical evacuation. It can also be used in anti-smuggling and illegal immigration control operations.
The aircraft is also available in maritime surveillance configuration, designated as NC212i Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA).
NC212i orders and deliveries
PT Dirgantara Indonesia was awarded a $19m contract by Philippines to build and deliver two light transport aircraft and associated spare parts for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) under the Light Lift Fixed-Wing Acquisition Project, in 2014. The two aircraft were officially accepted into service by the PAF in June 2018.
The aircraft are intended to strengthen the PAF’s humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) and security capabilities.
The company also received orders for three NC212i light military transport aircraft from Vietnam, as well as one unit from the Republic of Senegal.
Design and features of NC212i light transport aircraft
NC212i has a light, fixed-wing monoplane design with two high-mounted main wings and a conventional tail. Equipped with non-retractable tri-cycle type landing gear, the aircraft can perform take-off and landing on unpaved runways.
The aircraft has a maximum take-off/landing weight of 8,100kg and can carry payloads weighing up to 3,000kg, the highest in its class. The maximum passenger capacity of the aircraft is 28, which is also the highest in its class.
The NC212i tactical transport aircraft has box-type fuselage structure with bubble windows on both sides. It offers a cabin volume of 22m³ and the largest cabin cross section in its class. A ramp door is fitted at the rear to allow easy loading and unloading of cargo or personnel.
The aircraft can be quickly configured to achieve multi-mission capability.
Cockpit and avionics
The cockpit houses two crew and is outfitted with new-generation avionics and autopilot systems to provide enhanced flight safety, while reducing the crew workload.
The aircraft also carries a range of avionics, including next-generation navigation and communication systems, weather radar, VHF communication, emergency locator transmitters, global positioning systems (GPS), and transponder.
Engine details of NC212i light transport aircraft
The NC212i tactical transport aircraft is powered by two Honeywell TPE331-12JR-701C turboprop engines, which develop a maximum continuous power of 970shp each.
Each engine is coupled with a four-bladed Dowty Rotol R334/4-82-F/13 constant speed propeller, which has a diameter of 2.75m and rotating speed of 1,591rpm.
The fuel options for the engine include Jet A, Jet B, Jet A-1, JP-4, JP-5, JP-8, and JP8+100.
Honeywell was contracted by PT Dirgantara Indonesia to supply 34 TPE331 turboprop engines in March 2017. The engine deliveries will run through to 2020.
Performance of the light transport aircraft
The maximum cruising speed of the aircraft at maximum take-off weight is 195kt, while the long-range cruise speed is 163kt.
The aircraft can fly for a range of 806nm with maximum usable fuel and 2,060kg payload, while its range with a maximum payload of 3,000kg is 207nm.
The service ceiling of the aircraft with all engines operative is 23,000ft, while that with one engine inoperative is 7,000ft. The take-off and landing distances of the aircraft to and from 50ft obstacle are 740m and 527m, respectively. The fuel consumption of the aircraft for long-range flights is 293kg/h.
The Global Military Aircraft Market 2011-2021
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