Half a Century, Countless Missions: The Twin Turboprop CASA Keeps Delivering

TTA Delivers Effective, Efficient, Safe Solutions that Help Ensure the Safety and Airworthiness of Multiple Types of Aircraft

In this ongoing series, Thrust Tech Accessories (TTA) highlights the many different aircraft types presently in service around the world. Join us as we explore the roles venerable aircraft like the the CASA C-212 Aviocar and its subsequent variants play in the industry, the niches they serve, and the important challenges they face day by day, year after year, all across the globe.

We also wish to underscore the key role that MROs like TTA play behind the scenes in providing overhaul, repair, and modification of engines and airframe accessory components that keep such aircraft flying properly, safely—and long into the future.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Twin Turboprop CASA: The Haul Multi-Tasker

More than a half century after first taking flight in the early 1970s, the CASA C-212 Aviocar and its subsequent variants have built a solid aviation legacy. In fact, many of these medium STOL (short takeoff and landing) aircraft are still in service today. Originally designed for the Spanish Air Force, the aircraft have a high-mounted wing, boxy fuselage, conventional tail, non-retractable tricycle undercarriage, rugged landing gear and low-pressure tires.

Let’s just say that, no, they’re not the sleekest, fastest, or most-razzle dazzle in looks, but they totally get the job done in the best way possible. “Our customers tell us that they can be absolutely invaluable when an operator needs aircraft landings and take-offs on short runways or unpaved fields,” says Stanley Kowlessar, General Manager of Thrust Tech Accessories (TTA), an experienced MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) services company based just outside Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. “This aircraft type can also operate for extended periods without ground support apparatus.”

Superb Multi-Tasker

Today, the majority of operators for the C-212 and its updated variants including the C-235, C-295, and C-300 are based in Indonesia, the United States, and Spain. They range from charter air companies to regional airlines, short-haul aviation firms, and national military air services. “These versatile aircraft are capable of everything from transport services to search-and-rescue missions, from supply drops to surveillance and air cargo services,” explains Kowlessar.

Flown by two pilots, the aircraft can transport anywhere from 18 to 28 people, depending on the series or variant. The maximum payload is 17,637 pounds (military use) and 16,976 pounds (civilian use).

One characteristic of this aircraft type? “It’s a superb multi-tasker,” adds Kowlessar. Two good examples? Beyond the plane’s ability to land and take off on short runways and unpaved fields, skydivers and smokejumpers appreciate this aircraft for its specially designed rear ramp set up. Plus, scientific research expeditions also use this aircraft in remote spots such as Antarctica.

Spain and Indonesia

Looking back at the CASA C-212’s history, the Spanish Air Force received the first aircraft off the production line in 1971, and the first civilian aircraft manufactured from the Spanish production line was delivered in 1975. Over the years, many different variants, among them the C-235, C-295 (pictured above), and C-300, were developed. In 1998, an improved C-400 model was introduced with more powerful engines and enhanced technology.

One unique twist is that for several decades in the late 20^th century, Indonesian Aerospace, Inc. (IPTN), also secured licensing rights to produce the C-212 aircraft in Bandung, Indonesia. Over the years, it produced many C-212s for Indonesian domestic airlines and the Indonesian National Police. It also later debuted an improved 400 series of that aircraft with more powerful engines and upgraded cockpit technology.

Shift in Manufacturing

When mounting economic pressures surfaced in the early 2010s for continuing to build the C-212 in Spain,  Airbus (CASA’s successor) eventually made the tough decision to shut down the Seville production line. The final Spanish-assembled C-212 was delivered to the Vietnam Marine Police in 2012.

In total, CASA had produced a total of 483 C-212s leading up to the end of production in Spain. The good news was that Airbus, in February 2013, agreed to terms with PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), which was IPTN’s successor, to fully transfer all production of the C-212 to Bandung.

Subsequently, PTDI produced both the NC212-200 and the NC212-400. Then in 2014, it ceased production on the 400 series to move to production on the upgraded NC-212i model. Most of the post-2014 production has been for aircraft sales to domestic Indonesia operators, although some aircraft have been exported throughout Asia.

Military C-41A Factoid

One unique historical factoid is that the military version of the C-212-200 aircraft received a special designation as C-41A for its use by the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. It handled supply drops and troop infiltration in both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars of the 2000s.

During that era, additional C-212 aircraft were also owned and operated by Blackwater, a private military contractor supporting the military war efforts with supply drops to ground forces in remote areas.

Keeping Your C-212 Flying!

C-212 airplanes and variants of that aircraft type continue to perform as solid aviation workhorses for both civilian and military operators, and those operators should think of TTA as an experienced MRO resource, emphasizes Kowlessar.

“For the CASA C-212, later series and variants, we can provide our customers with support for everything from variable delivery hydraulic pumps to starters/generators, hydraulic motor pump assemblies, and pneumatic shut-off valves, says Kowlessar. “And those are simply a few of our services and capabilities.”

About Thrust Tech Accessories

Now in business for more than three decades, TTA is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Aviation Safety Association (EASA) and the U.K.’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). “We strive to provide our valued customers with high-quality, on time, cost-effective MRO services with a strong focus on customer service as well as aircraft reliability and safety,” stresses Kowlessar. ”Let’s discuss your MRO needs and how TTA can assist your business.”

To find out more about TTA’s wide-ranging capabilities to support your fleet and to obtain competitive program bids, contact us via email at TTAsales@TrustTech.com or call 954-984-0450.

PHOTO: A Polish Air Force CASA C-295 023 transport plane (compliments of Shutterstock).