MANILA — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will be formally accepting into service two PT Dirgantara NC212i light-lift fixed wing aircraft Tuesday afternoon.
This was disclosed by PAF spokesperson Major Aristides in a message Monday.
Acceptance, blessing and formal turned-over will take place at the Haribon Hangar, Air Force City, Clark Air Base, Pampanga, around 1 p.m., he added.
Galang said Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana will be the event’s guest-of-honor.
The above-mentioned aircraft was acquired under the Light Lift Fixed-Wing Acquisition Project of PAF under the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.
The NC212i aircraft can be used strategically for producing artificial rain, maritime patrol and coast guard patrol.
It can also be utilized for the following missions: passenger and troop transport, cargo/logistic transport, anti-smuggling control, immigration control, search and rescue, paratroop dropping, and medical evacuation.
Compared to the previous NC212 models, the NC212i has a carrying capacity of 28 passengers, a digital avionic and next generation autopilot.
It features a ramp access, next generation navigation and communication system, as well as, cheaper operational cost. Moreover, the aircraft is capable of taking-off and landing on unpaved runways. (Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)