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CASA/IPTN CN-235

From Alfawiki
Airtech International
Company typeJoint venture
IndustryAerospace
Founded17 October 1979
Headquarters
Getafe and Bandung
,
Spain and Indonesia
ProductsCN-235 aircraft

The CASA/IPTN CN-235 is a twin-engine, medium-range transport aircraft developed collaboratively by Spain's CASA and Indonesia's IPTN. Designed to function as both a regional airliner and military transport, its primary military applications include airlift operations and aerial reconnaissance.

The development process commenced in 1980, following the establishment of the joint venture Airtech International in 1979. The CN-235 was first introduced at the 1981 Paris Airshow, with its prototype taking flight on 11 November 1983. Production began in August 1986, and the aircraft officially entered service on 1 March 1988. Initial manufacturing was divided with IPTN responsible for 65%, while CASA produced the remainder. Although the majority of CN-235 units were built for military use, a limited number were acquired by commercial airlines for regional transport. Specialized versions include armed gunships and maritime patrol variants.

Joint manufacturing primarily covered the Series 10 and Series 100/110 models; subsequent versions were developed independently by each company. This divergence resulted in derivative aircraft such as the lengthened EADS CASA C-295 and the passenger-focused Indonesian Aerospace N-245. Currently, more than 240 CN-235s are operational worldwide, having accumulated over 500,000 flight hours. Turkey stands as the largest operator with a fleet of 59 aircraft.

Background

Conceived in the late 1970s, the CN-235 was envisioned as a twin-turboprop transport capable of accommodating up to 35 passengers or various military payloads. To meet increasing demand both domestically and internationally, Spanish aerospace manufacturer Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA (CASA) pursued an international partnership with Indonesia’s newly established Indonesian Aerospace (IPTN, later PT. Dirgantara Indonesia). This collaboration granted IPTN equal partnership status along with technology transfer benefits, fostering mutual economic advantages. Prior to CASA’s involvement, IPTN had independently investigated similar aircraft concepts.

The two companies formalized their cooperation by founding Airtech International on 17 October 1979 to jointly design, develop, produce, and market the aircraft. Senior executives from both organizations led the venture, with initial technical collaboration starting between late 1979 and early 1980. Various design options were explored, including modifications of the CASA C-212 Aviocar and entirely new wide-body configurations.

The finalized design incorporated a relatively broad fuselage equipped with a rear loading ramp to support versatile transport missions. The main cabin featured four-abreast seating along a single aisle, accommodating up to 44 passengers in high-density arrangements. Emphasizing the concept of a “large aircraft in a small package,” it was engineered for diverse operating environments across developed and developing nations. Key objectives included ease of cargo loading, quick conversion between passenger and freight setups, and adaptability for specialized roles such as aerial firefighting and agricultural spraying. These capabilities aimed to secure initial orders from Indonesia to achieve production scale efficiencies and improve global cost competitiveness.

Preliminary design efforts began in January 1980. Between 1980 and 1983, work advanced through detailed design stages, tooling development, component manufacturing, and assembly leading to prototype completion. The program was publicly showcased at the 1981 Paris Airshow through a mock-up model; alongside this event, sales agreements were signed and a memorandum of understanding was established with General Electric to equip the aircraft with CT7 turboprop engines.

Initial Flight

On 10 September 1983, the inaugural duo of CN-235 prototypes were unveiled simultaneously in ceremonies held at Getafe and Bandung, with attendance by Spain’s King Juan Carlos I and Indonesia’s President Suharto. The first prototype constructed by CASA took flight on 11 November 1983, followed by the IPTN-built prototype’s maiden flight on 30 December 1983. Early development phases limited reliance on wind tunnel testing and restricted production to two prototypes, thereby prolonging flight evaluation. New testing facilities in Indonesia were established with support from the German Aerospace Center. The CN-235 exhibited straightforward handling characteristics and benefited from reductions in weight and drag, resulting in production models approximately 10% lighter than the initial prototypes.

The third stage of development concentrated on certification processes and delivering initial units to customers. Structural static and fatigue assessments were carried out at the Serpong Laboratory for Structural Testing. By September 1984, orders had been secured for several dozen aircraft priced around $6 million each, primarily from Spanish and Indonesian buyers.

Official certification was obtained from Spanish and Indonesian aviation authorities on 20 June 1986; the first production-standard flight followed on 19 August 1986. FAA type certification was granted on 3 December 1986, authorizing operations within North America. Deliveries to customers commenced in 1987, with formal entry into service occurring on 1 March 1988.

By May 1989, confirmed orders reached a total of 133 units—74 designated for military use and 59 for civilian purposes—with Indonesian clients accounting for 85 aircraft, Spanish customers ordering 22, and the remainder distributed internationally. While slightly slower than competitors such as the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 and ATR 42, the CN-235 featured a broader fuselage advantageous for containerized freight and oversized cargo like jet engines.

Manufacturing responsibilities were split roughly with Bandung handling about 65% of production and Getafe covering the remaining 35%, independent of where final assembly took place. IPTN managed local airframe fabrication, while engines and avionics components were sourced from European or American suppliers. Lower labor costs in Indonesia contributed to maintaining a competitive price point.

CASA and IPTN continued advancing CN-235 variants using original prototypes as test platforms. By 1992, several specialized versions tailored to customer requirements—such as maritime reconnaissance—had been developed collaboratively. The most prominent evolution was CASA’s stretched variant introduced in 1995, produced as the C-295.

Indonesia has pursued increased manufacturing independence for the CN-235; its Ministry of Defence has made this a prerequisite in offset discussions related to potential acquisitions of the Airbus A400M Atlas strategic airlifter for the Indonesian Air Force.

Military Use

The French Air and Space Force was among the earliest CN-235 operators, having ordered eight aircraft by May 1989. In April 2010, then French Defence Minister Hervé Morin announced procurement of eight CN-235-300s from Spain. By 2015, France’s fleet had expanded to include 27 aircraft. In mid-2020, a French CN-235 was deployed to Mauritius to support pollution control efforts following the MV Wakashio oil spill.

Indonesia emerged as a key early customer with substantial orders; by May 1989, the Indonesian Air Force had acquired 32 CN-235s while the Navy procured 18 units, including six configured for maritime patrol roles. In December 2009, three CN-235 MPAs were ordered by the Indonesian Navy and entered service in October 2013. The Indonesian Air Force introduced updated CN-235 MPAs featuring winglets and enhanced electronic systems in November 2016.

The Spanish military placed relatively small initial orders; by May 1989, two VIP-configured CN-235s were acquired by the Spanish Air Force. The FATAM II program initiated in 2000 resulted in nine C-295 purchases that replaced eight earlier CN-235s converted for maritime patrol and search-and-rescue functions. Between four and six CN-235s served training purposes. In December 2007, Spain procured two CN-235 MPAs for its Guardia Civil—marking its first fixed-wing aircraft acquisition.

The Irish Air Corps leased a CN-235 in 1992 and received two maritime surveillance-configured models by 1994. During the Fall of Kabul (2021) amid US withdrawal from Afghanistan, an Irish CN-235 participated in evacuation missions. In 2022, these aircraft supported humanitarian aid and evacuation operations in Ukraine.

In December 2002, Colombia’s Navy ordered two CN-235s for maritime patrol and anti-narcotics operations; a third unit was delivered by July 2010. In April 2012, Colombia contracted Telephonics for radar upgrades on older CN-235s using APS-143 OceanEye marine surveillance systems.

Venezuela placed an order in April 2005 for two maritime surveillance CN-235s plus ten transport variants; however, US government restrictions on avionics technology halted this agreement in 2006.

In January 2006, Thailand negotiated a barter agreement with Indonesian Aerospace for ten aircraft—six allocated to Defence and four to Agriculture ministries—with an additional order placed in September 2014.

The Mexican Navy announced acquisition of six CN-235s in July 2008; the first was delivered in November 2011 configured for search-and-rescue, disaster relief, and anti-drug missions. The final of four MPA-configured aircraft arrived in May 2012.

South Korea selected Indonesian Aerospace’s offer in December 2008 to supply four CN-235-110 MPAs to its Coast Guard; each valued at $23 million with deliveries completed by 2011.

A light gunship variant was developed specifically for the Royal Jordanian Air Force, entering operational service in May 2014 through collaboration between Jordan’s King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau and US defense contractor Orbital ATK.

Turkey stands as the largest operator of CN-235s; by October 1998 it had ordered a total of 52 transport-configured aircraft alongside nine MPAs. Licensed production is carried out by Turkish Aerospace in Ankara. During the 2000s, Turkey upgraded nineteen Navy and Coast Guard aircraft with Thales maritime surveillance suites. Throughout the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Turkish Navy CN-235 MPAs conducted Black Sea patrols detecting naval mines and supporting demining operations. All Turkish units are currently undergoing avionics modernization; some have been adapted for border security missions.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force operates transport-configured CN-235s; plans announced early in 2020 aim to convert several into maritime surveillance variants supported financially by the US government. The first modified CN235-220M MSA was delivered on June 17, 2022 under Malaysia’s Maritime Security Initiative.

Between 2010 and 2012, the Senegalese Air Force procured two CN-235s at $13 million each; subsequent plans included acquiring two additional units including MPA versions. Senegal ordered two MPA-configured CN-235s in 2018 receiving their first example in 2021.

On January 10, 2024, during a visit to Manila, Indonesian President Joko Widodo offered PT Dirgantara Indonesia’s ASW variant of the CN-235 to the Philippine Navy.

Commercial airliner

Initially created for military transport purposes, the CN-235 was also offered to civilian operators as a regional airliner. Despite this, it struggled to secure substantial market share against rivals such as the Fokker 50, ATR 42, and DHC-8. Among the earliest commercial adopters was Spain’s national airline, Iberia LAE, which acquired four CN-235s to service regional flights. From 1989 until 1997, Iberia and its affiliates Binter Canarias and Binter Mediterraneo utilized these aircraft before transitioning to larger ATR 72 models.

Indonesian carriers emerged as some of the most prominent civilian users, placing numerous early orders and deploying the CN-235 on domestic routes by 1992. Merpati Nusantara Airlines stood out as the largest operator, at one stage managing a fleet of 15 CN-235s and expanding operations further through leasing agreements in 1995.

In 1992, Aerolíneas Argentinas, then under Iberia’s ownership, purchased two CN-235s for its subsidiary Austral Líneas Aéreas. By 2006, several African airlines had incorporated CN-235s into their fleets, including two units with Safair and one with Tiko Air. Around 2007, the Philippine airline Asian Spirit operated a single CN-235-220 aircraft.

Indonesian Aerospace revealed plans in 2015 to develop the N-245 (also known as CN-235NG), a civil-oriented variant designed to accommodate up to 60 passengers. This model was intended for introduction following completion of the Indonesian Aerospace N-219 program, with certification initially aimed for 2019. Additionally, a stretched version called the N-270, capable of seating between 70 and 90 passengers, was projected for development during the period from 2019 to 2024.

Variants

CN-235-10
The original production model (15 units manufactured by each company), powered by GE CT7-7A engines.
CN-235-100/110
An upgraded iteration of the Series 10 featuring GE CT7-9C engines and new composite engine nacelles; introduced in 1988 starting with the 31st aircraft produced. The Series 100 is manufactured in Spain, while the Series 110 is built in Indonesia, both incorporating improved electrical systems, warning devices, and environmental controls.
CN-235-200/220
Enhanced variant with reinforced structures to support increased operating weights, aerodynamic refinements, shorter takeoff distances, and extended range at full payload. The Series 200 is Spanish-produced; Series 220 Indonesian-built and continues in active production.
CN-235-300
A modification by CASA based on the 200/220 series featuring Honeywell avionics suites, upgraded cabin pressurization systems, and an optional dual-nosewheel landing gear.
CN-235-330 Phoenix
IPTN’s adaptation of the Series 200/220 equipped with Honeywell avionics, ARL-2002 electronic warfare system, and a maximum takeoff weight of 16,800 kg. This variant was proposed to the Royal Australian Air Force under Project Air 5190 for tactical airlift but was withdrawn in 1998 due to budgetary issues.
CN-235 MPA
A maritime patrol version outfitted with six hardpoints capable of carrying AM-39 Exocet missiles or Mk.46 torpedoes.
CN-235 ASW
An anti-submarine warfare model jointly developed by Turkish Aerospace and Indonesian Aerospace.
HC-144 Ocean Sentry
The designation used by the United States Coast Guard for a planned fleet of twenty-two aircraft intended to replace HU-25 Guardian jets; eighteen had been delivered by 2019.
AC-235
A light gunship variant armed with integrated weapons pylons supporting AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, 70 mm rocket pods, a side-mounted 30 mm cannon, and synthetic aperture radar systems.

Military operators

Former military operators

Government and Paramilitary Users

Civilian Operators

  • Tiko Air had one aircraft (C012) in service
  • Air Namibia operated a single CN235 between 2001 and 2006
  • Safair owned two CN235s which were sold in 2006 and 2008 respectively

Significant Accidents

On 18 October 1992, a Merpati Nusantara Airlines CN-235-10 (Registration PK-MNN) operating Flight 5601 crashed in Garut, Indonesia, resulting in the loss of all 31 passengers and crew.

On 19 January 2001, a Turkish Air Force CN-235 crashed near Kayseri during a training flight after entering an unrecoverable spin, killing all three occupants.

On 16 May 2001, another Turkish Air Force CN-235 was lost due to pilot loss of control, with all 34 on board perishing.

On 18 May 2001, a Turkish Navy CN-235 crashed shortly after takeoff at approximately 100 feet altitude, causing four fatalities.

On 29 August 2001, Binter Mediterráneo Flight 8261 (EC-FBC) crash-landed at Málaga, Spain; the accident claimed four lives out of the 47 onboard. The aircraft was subsequently scrapped.

On 11 February 2013, a CN-235 crashed near Monrovia, Liberia, killing eleven people including Guinea’s army chief, Souleymane Kelefa Diallo.

On 1 August 2015, a Colombian Air Force CN-235-200M crashed in Cesar province due to engine malfunction, resulting in eleven deaths.

On 26 February 2016, a Royal Malaysian Air Force CN-235 crashed into a swamp near Kuala Selangor. While no crew members died, a local fisherman drowned during rescue efforts.

On 17 January 2018, a Turkish Air Force CN-235 conducting training near Isparta crashed, killing two pilots and one technician.

Exhibited Aircraft

Sources

  • Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory". Flight International, Vol.182 No.5370. December 2012. pp. 40–64.
  • Lambert, Mark. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993–1994. Coulsden, UK: Jane's Data Division, 1993.

External links

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