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| Airtech CN.235 |
Militarymedia.net - Following the success of their C.212 Aviocar, CASA Spain and IPTN Indonesia joined forces on a 50/50 basis to create a dedicated Airtech for the design and development of a larger and more efficient pressurized transport for civilian and military use. Work on the resulting CN.235 began in 1980, and prototypes were simultaneously built in partner countries. The Spanish prototype made its maiden flight on 11 November 1983; Indonesian prototypes followed suit on 30 December 1983. Deliveries of the two production lines began in December 1986 and February 1987, respectively. In January 1990 a license was signed with TAI for assembly and later construction of 50 aircraft in Turkey.
The main variant is the early model CN.235 Series 10 with two CT7-7A 700-shp; CN.235 Series 100 made in Spain and CN.235 Series 110 made in Indonesia which were upgraded with CT7-9Cs; CN.235 Series 200 and CN.235 Series 220 with structural reinforcement and aerodynamic enhancements; The CN.235 Series 330 Phoenix developed by Indonesia is intended for the needs of the RAAF; military transport CN.235 M; CN.235 MP Persuader made in Spain and maritime patrol type CN.235 MPA made in Indonesia with advanced avionics and six underwing hardpoints; and CN.235 QC cargo/passenger transportation with fast change.
Military sales have been rapid, and the type is currently serving with air forces in about 20 countries. In 1997, CASA began development of the CN.295 unfolded. Powered by 2 645-hp Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprops and equipped with a full EFIS cockpit, it has a payload about 50 percent more than the CN.235, with the capacity to carry 78 troops. The first CN.295 flew on 28 November 1997, and the first of nine production engines for the Spanish air force entered service in 2004.
