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Main>Articles>Military Stuff>CN-235 Tactical Transport Aircraft
CN-235
Tactical Transport Aircraft
In 1995, Malaysia
signed a contract with IPTN of Indonesia (now IAe), to provide a total
of 6 CN-235-220 tactical transport aircraft to the RMAF. The CN-235 was
jointly developed as a tactical transport with STOL qualities by CASA
of Spain and IPTN of Indonesia.
Delivery of the aircraft was significantly delayed
when Indonesia was embroiled in the Asian financial crisis and the last
example was only delivered in 1999, several years behind schedule. The
payment for these aircraft was made partially with Malaysian-made Proton
cars and MD-3E trainers.
The CN-235 is a high-wing, pressurised, twin turbo-prop
plane with STOL performance that can carry a maximum payload of 6,000
kg. Its maximum cruising speed is 240 Ktas and it has a range of 2,250
nautical miles with a payload of 3,550 kg. The CN-235 has been conceived
for tactical military transport and is capable of operating from unpaved
runways and has excellent low level flying characteristics for tactical
penetration. Its large cargo hold and hydraulically operated rear ramp
allow easy access for vehicle transport, standard 88´´ x 108´´
pallets, making it the ideal complement to the Hercules C-130. It can
carry most combat aircraft engines and may also be subjected to a quick
change configuration. The CN-235 can be used to transport up to 48 paratroopers
who may jump out either of the two side doors or the rear ramp. The CN-235
is able to carry out high and low altitude (HAD, LAPES) in-flight drops
distribution of up to four tons of supplies to forward troops. On medical
evacuation missions, the plane can transport up to 21 stretchers, with
four medics.<--Taken from FAS.org.
A
unique feature of the RMAF CN-235s is that they have a slightly larger
nose, containing a surface search radar. This enables the CN-235 to perform
maritime patrol duties apart from its traditional transport role. Most
recently, Malaysia sgned a contract for the delivery of an additional
2 CN-235 aircraft. The induction of the CN-235 into the RMAF has significantly
increased the mobility of the Royal Malaysian Army, allowing its Rapid
Deployment Forces to be effectively deployed.