Airtech CN-235
Airtech (CASA / IPTN) · International (Spain / Indonesia) · first flew 1983 · transport aircraft
The CN-235 is a rugged twin-turboprop tactical and regional transport jointly developed by Spain's CASA and Indonesia's IPTN, sized to lift around five tonnes from short strips.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Upswept rear fuselage with loading ramp |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- High straight wing with two turboprops
- Upswept rear fuselage with loading ramp
- Boxy pressurised fuselage on stub-fairing gear
Identify it by the high straight wing carrying two turboprops and the short, deep fuselage that sweeps up to a rear loading ramp. The main gear retracts into prominent sponson fairings on the lower fuselage sides.
Specifications
- The Airtech CN-235 has a length of 21.4 m (70 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 25.81 m (85 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 460 km/h (286 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (plus loadmaster).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The two partners formed the Airtech consortium to share development, and the first prototype flew in Spain in late 1983. Production lines ran in both countries, with certification following in the mid-1980s. The design later spawned the stretched C-295.
Variants
Civil and military transport versions dominate, joined by dedicated maritime patrol and surveillance fits carrying search radar and mission consoles. Gunship conversions and VIP layouts have also been produced. Engine and avionics upgrades distinguish the successive production series.
Where you'll see it
The type is not a UK military mainstay but serves widely across NATO and partner nations, including France, Spain, Turkey and many air arms in Asia and the Americas. It is valued for austere-field logistics, paradropping and coastal patrol. Its rear ramp makes it a flexible battlefield and humanitarian workhorse.
Related aircraft
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