CASA C-212 Aviocar
CASA / Airbus Defence and Space · Spain · first flew 1971 · transport aircraft
The CASA C-212 Aviocar is a versatile twin-turboprop STOL utility transport with a high wing, rear loading ramp, and square fuselage cross-section, designed for military and civil operations from short or unprepared strips. It has been operated by over 90 nations.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Square cross-section fuselage with clamshell rear doors |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Boxy high-wing STOL transport with rear loading ramp
- Square cross-section fuselage with clamshell rear doors
- Fixed undercarriage on many variants
The high, straight wing; fixed tricycle undercarriage on older variants; boxy fuselage; and large rear-loading clamshell doors are highly distinctive. The twin turboprops and upswept tail are immediately recognisable.
Specifications
- The CASA C-212 Aviocar has a length of 15.16 m (50 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 19 m (62 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 370 km/h (230 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 pilots + up to 26 passengers or freight.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed by CASA (Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA) to meet a Spanish Air Force requirement, the C-212 first flew in 1971 and entered service in 1974. Indonesian Aerospace (IPTN/IAe) licence-built it as the NC-212, greatly extending production numbers. Over 480 have been delivered to military and civil operators worldwide across successive Series improvements.
Variants
Series 100, 200, 300, and 400 — each with more powerful engines and detail refinements. The maritime patrol variant adds a search radar under the nose. Numerous specialised configurations exist for parachuting, medevac, and fire patrol.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Spanish Air Force, Indonesian Air Force, Philippine Air Force, US Drug Enforcement Administration, and scores of other operators; civil examples fly with missionary and cargo operators in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Related aircraft
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