CASA CN-235
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| CN-235 | |
|---|---|
 A CASA CN-235M-100 of the Spanish Air Force |
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| Type | Transport aircraft |
| Manufacturer | EADS-CASA/IPTN |
| Maiden flight | 1983 |
| Introduced | 1 March 1988 with Merpati Nusantara |
| Primary users | Spanish Air Force Turkish Air Force Indonesian Air Force South African Air Force United States Coast Guard |
| Variants | EADS CASA C-295 |
The CN-235 is a medium-range twin-turbo-prop aircraft developed jointly between CASA in Spain and IPTN in Indonesia as a regional airliner and military transport. Amongst its military roles are maritime patrol, surveillance and troop transport.
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[edit] Design and development
The project was a joint venture between CASA and Indonesian manufacturer IPTN, which formed Airtech company to manage the programme. Responsibility for design and production was shared at 50% between the two companies. The partnership applied only to the Series 10 and Series 100/110, with later versions being developed independently.
Design began in January 1980 with first flight on 11 November 1983. Spanish and Indonesian certification was on 20 June 1986; the first flight of the production aircraft was on 19 August 1986 and FAA type approval was granted on 3 December 1986. The aircraft entered service on 1 March 1988
In 1995, CASA launched development of a stretched CN-235 as the C-295
It was purchased by the U.S. Coast Guard as the HC-144A for its Medium Range Surveillance Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MRSMPA) program.[1] The first HC-144A was delivered by EADS CASA to Lockheed Martin for installation of the mission package in December 2006.[2]
In August 2006 three CASA CN-235-10 aircraft remain in airline service, in Africa, with Safair (two) and Tiko Air (one).[3] Asian Spirit operates a sole CN-235-220 in the Philippines, correct as of June/July 2007.
The Irish Air Corps operates two CASA aircraft in the maritime patrol capacity.
There are at least two CN-235s operating with the US Air Force for an undisclosed role with the 427th Special Operations Squadron, at the former Pope AFB, NC. USAF Serial Number Search CN-235
[edit] Variants
- CN235-10: Initial production version (15 built by each company), with GE CT7-7A engines.
- CN235-100/110: Generally as series 10, but with GE CT7-9C engines in new composites nacelles; replaced Series 10 in 1988 from 31st production aircraft. Series 100 is Spanish-built, series 110 Indonesian-built, with improved electrical, warning and environmental systems.
- CN235-200/220: Improved version. Structural reinforcements to cater for higher operating weights, aerodynamic improvements to wing leading-edges and rudder, reduced field length requirements and much-increased range with maximum payload. Series 200 is Spanish-built, Series 220 Indonesian-built.
- CN235-300: CASA Modification of 200/220 series, with Honeywell avionics suite. Other features include improved pressurisation and provision for optional twin nosewheel installation.
- CN235-330 Phoenix: Modification of Series 200/220, offered by IPTN with new Honeywell avionics, ARL-2002 EW system and 16.800 kg/37.037 lb MTOW, to Royal Australian Air Force to meet Project Air 5190 tactical airlift requirement, but was forced by financial constraints to withdraw in 1998.
- CN235 MPA: Maritime patrol version
[edit] Operators
[edit] Military operators
- Brunei Air Force (1)
- Chilean Army (4 CN-235-100) One lost in Antarctica
- French Air Force (19 CN235-100, 18 updated in CN235-200 configuration).
- Indonesian Air Force (Operating CN235-100M, CN235-220M, CN235MPA)
- Irish Air Corps (2 x CN235MP)
- Royal Malaysian Air Force (8 x CN235-220)
- Pakistan Air Force (4 x CN235-220)
- Spanish Air Force (20)
- Turkish Air Force (50 x CN235-100M)
- Turkish Navy (6 x CN-235 ASW/ASuW MPA with AMASCOS (Airborne Maritime Situation & Control System) of Thales)
- Turkish Coast Guard (3 x CN-235 MPA with AMASCOS (Airborne Maritime Situation & Control System) of Thales)
- U.S. Coast Guard (8 HC-144s ordered)
- Venezuelan Navy (2 ordered, but order later canceled)
[edit] Government and paramilitary operators
- Royal Thai Police (1 x CN235-300)
[edit] Specifications (CN-235-100)
General characteristics
- Crew: two, pilot and co-pilot
- Capacity: up to 45 passengers
- Length: 21.40 m (70 ft 3 in)
- Wingspan: 25.81 m (84 ft 8 in)
- Height: 8.18 m (26 ft 10 in)
- Wing area: 59.1 m² (636 ft²)
- Empty weight: 9,800 kg (21,605 lb)
- Loaded weight: 15,500 kg (16,500 kg Military load) (34,172 lb (36,376 lb))
- Max takeoff weight: 15,100 kg (33,290 lb)
- Powerplant: 2× General Electric CT7C turboprop, 1,395 kW (1,850 bhp) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 509 km/h (317 mph)
- Range: 5,003 km with max fuel / 2,870 km with 4,000 kg payload (3,108 miles with max fuel / 1,783 miles with 8,818 lb payload)
- Service ceiling 9,145 m (30,000 ft)
- Rate of climb: 542 m/min (1,780 ft/min)
[edit] See also
Related development
[edit] References
- ^ DOD 4120.15-L - Addendum
- ^ "News Breaks", Aviation Week & Space Technology, 18 December 2006.
- ^ Flight International, 3-9 October 2006
[edit] External links
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