The Philippine Air Force (PAF) formally commissioned its
third and last Airbus Military C-295 medium transport aircraft during
ceremonies at Clark Air Base in Angeles City, Pampanga last Jan. 20.
PAF spokesperson Col. Enrico Canaya said on Friday the
ceremony was led by Air Logistic Command head Major Gen. Isagani Silva.
Canaya said the third C-295 transport aircraft arrived at
Clark Air Base last Dec. 11.
The second C-295 was commissioned last Dec. 5 with President
Benigno S. Aquino III gracing the event, while the first was turned over last
March 30 with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in attendance.
The three C-295 medium-lift fixed-wing acquisition program
is part of the PAF modernization program amounting to Php5.3 billion.
The 220th Airlift Wing of the PAF will operate and maintain
the aircraft.
The PAF uses the medium lift aircraft for tactical and
medium airlift requirements, and are essential to internal security operations
in ferrying personnel and logistical requirements of different line/combat
units to any part of the country.
The timely deployment of troops and supplies is vital to
ensure the success of any military operations.
The Airbus Military C-295 is a new generation, very robust
and reliable, highly versatile tactical airlifter able to carry up to nine tons
of payload or up to 71 personnel, at a maximum cruise speed of 260 knots or 480
kilometers per hour.
Fitted with a retractable landing gear and a pressurized
cabin, it can cruise at altitudes up to 25,000 feet, while retaining remarkable
short take-off & landing (STOL) performance from unprepared short, soft and
rough airstrips, as well as low level flight characteristics.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=849367
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