CASA/IPTN CN-235M
Airtech (CASA/IPTN/TAI) · Spain/Indonesia · first flew 1983 · transport aircraft
The CN-235 is a twin-turboprop tactical transport and regional airliner developed jointly by Spain's CASA and Indonesia's IPTN through their Airtech partnership.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Upswept rear fuselage with ramp |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Upswept rear fuselage with ramp
- High wing with twin turboprops
- Bulged gear sponsons
Identify it by the boxy high-winged fuselage with a sharply upswept tail and rear ramp, two large turboprop nacelles on the wing, and prominent sponson fairings housing the main landing gear.
Specifications
- The CASA/IPTN CN-235M has a length of 21.4 m (70 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 25.81 m (85 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 509 km/h (316 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (pilot and co-pilot).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The prototype first flew in 1983, combining a pressurised fuselage with a rear loading ramp for military utility. General Electric CT7 turboprops power the type. Production was shared between Spain and Indonesia, and Turkey's TAI later assembled aircraft under licence, hence the CN-235M designation in Turkish service.
Variants
Civil regional and military transport versions exist, alongside the stretched C-295 development and dedicated maritime patrol and gunship conversions used by various operators.
Where you'll see it
Dozens of air forces operate the CN-235 for tactical airlift, paradropping and maritime patrol; it has no RAF service, though it is a common sight at European and NATO exercises alongside British transport assets.
Related aircraft
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