CASA/IPTN CN-235

The CASA/IPTN CN-235 is a medium-range twin-engined transport aircraft developed by CASA of Spain and Indonesian manufacturer IPTN. It serves as both a regional airliner and military transport, with primary military roles in air transport and aerial surveillance.

Development began in 1980 following the formation of the Airtech International joint venture in 1979. The aircraft was publicly unveiled at the 1981 Paris Airshow. The prototype CN-235 had its maiden flight on 11 November 1983, with the first production aircraft following on 19 August 1986. The aircraft entered regular service on 1 March 1988. Initially, 65% of production was done by IPTN and the rest by CASA. Most CN-235s have been produced for military use, though some airlines have purchased them for regional services. Specialized versions include armed gunships and maritime patrol aircraft.

The partnership between CASA and IPTN covered the Series 10 and Series 100/110 aircraft. Later versions were developed independently by each company, leading to derivatives like the EADS CASA C-295 and the Indonesian Aerospace N-245. Over 240 CN-235s are in service, with Turkey being the largest user, operating 59 aircraft.

Conceived in the late 1970s, the CN-235 was designed as a twin-turboprop transport for up to 35 passengers or various military payloads. CASA sought international collaboration and partnered with IPTN, offering an equal share in the venture and technology transfer. The joint venture, Airtech International, was formed on 17 October 1979 to design, develop, manufacture, and market the aircraft.

The aircraft features a wide fuselage with a rear-facing ramp and a main cabin that can accommodate up to 44 passengers. It was designed to be versatile, capable of quick conversion between cargo and passenger operations, and suited for roles like aerial firefighting and cropdusting.

Preliminary design work began in January 1980, leading to the completion of initial prototypes by 1983. The project debuted at the 1981 Paris Airshow, where sales contracts were signed, and an agreement was made with General Electric for the aircraft’s engines.

The first prototypes were rolled out in September 1983, with maiden flights occurring later that year. Testing facilities were established in Indonesia with German assistance. The CN-235 was noted for easy handling, and production models were lighter than prototypes due to weight and drag minimization efforts.

Certification from Spanish and Indonesian authorities was received in June 1986, with FAA certification following in December. Deliveries began in 1987, and the aircraft entered service in March 1988. By May 1989, there were 133 firm orders, with 85 from Indonesian customers and 22 from Spanish customers.

Production was split between Bandung and Getafe, with engines and systems sourced from Europe or the United States. Lower wages in Indonesia contributed to the aircraft’s competitive pricing.

Both CASA and IPTN pursued further development, using original prototypes as test beds. By 1992, multiple versions were developed, often in response to customer needs, such as maritime reconnaissance. The significant derivative, the C-295, was launched by CASA in 1995.

Indonesia has sought greater autonomy in CN-235 production, linking this objective to potential procurement of the Airbus A400M Atlas for the Indonesian Air Force.