CASA C.212 Aviocar

The CASA C.212 Aviocar is a turboprop-powered STOL medium transport aircraft designed and built in Spain for civil and military use. C.212s have also been produced under licence in Indonesia by IPTN.

Development

During the late 1960s, the Spanish Air Force was still operating the already outdated Junkers Ju 52 and Douglas C-47. CASA developed the C.212 as a more modern alternative, with the first prototype flying on March 26 1971. In 1974, the Spanish Air Force decided to acquire the Aviocar to update its fleet. When airlines took note of the type's success with the military, CASA developed a commercial version, the first examples of which were delivered in July 1975.

Description

The Aviocar has a high-mounted wing, a boxy fuselage, and a conventional tail. The tricycle undercarriage is retractable, with the main gear retracting into sponsons at the fuselage sides.

Variants

Series 100

C.212A - original military production version. Also known as C.212-5, C.212-5 series 100M, and by the Spanish Air Force as the T.12B and D.3A (for medevac aircraft) 129 built
- C.212AV - VIP transport version, T.12C
C.212B - six pre-production C.212As converted for photo-reconnaissance missions, TR-12A
C.212C - original civil version
C.212D - two pre-production C.212As converted for use as navigational trainers, TE.12B.

Series 200

Stretched version with uprated engines introduced in 1979.

C.212 series 200M - military version known as T.12D in Spanish service and Tp 89 for the Swedish Air Force. Specialised ASW and maritime patrol aircraft have been built from this version.

Series 300

Standard production version from 1987 on. Winglets for improved performance.

C.212-M series 300 or Series 300M - military version
C.212 series 300 airliner - 26 seat regional airliner
C.212 series 300 utility - 23 seat civil utility version
C.212 series 300P - civil utility version with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65 engines

Series 400

Slightly enlarged version first flying in 1997

Specifications (Series 300M)

General Characteristics

Crew: two pilots
Capacity: up to 25 troops, 12 litters, or 2,820 kg (6,217 lb) of cargo
Length: 16.15 m (53 ft 0 in)
Wingspan: 20.28 m (66 ft 7 in)
Height: 6.60 m (21 ft 8 in)
Wing area: 41 m² (441 ft²)
Empty: 4,400 kg (9,700 lb)
Loaded: kg ( kg)
Maximum takeoff: 8,000 kg (17,637 lb)
Powerplant: 2x Garrett TPE331-10R-513C, 690 kW (925 shp) each

Performance

Maximum speed: 370 km/h (230 mph)
Range: 1,433 km (895 miles)
Service ceiling: 7,925 m (26,000 ft)
Rate of climb: 497 m/min (1,630 ft/min)
Wing loading: kg/m² ( lb/ft²)
Power/Mass: kW/kg ( hp/lb)

Armament

up to 500 kg (1,100 lb) of weapons on two hardpoints. Typically, machine gun pods or rocket launchers.