The first of three new C-295 medium lift aircraft bought under the Philippine Air Force Modernization Program arrived at Clark Air Base in Pampanga on Sunday afternoon, the Air Force said.
According to the press release, the aircraft will still have to be inspected and tested by the Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee before being turned over to the PAF.
Two more C-295s, which can carry 71 passengers, 50 paratroopers, or up to 20,000 lbs. of cargo, are to be delivered in 2016.
The AFP said the C-295 can perform the same missions that the C-130 — the PAF’s current workhorse — does but with smaller payloads.
“The additional C-295s will enhance the overall capability of the PAF in providing airlift requirements of the AFP and during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations,” the Air Force said.
The three planes cost P2.59 billion. — JDS, GMA News
