US Army picks Airbus to modernise special operations aircraft
Airbus DS Military Aircraft Inc has received a maximum $10 million contract for sustainment and modernisation of five C-212-200 aircraft operated by US Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC).
Most of the work will be performed in Mobile, Alabama, and is expected to be completed by August 2023.
The smallest member of Airbus Military’s family of medium airlift and surveillance aircraft, the 3t-class C-212 is designed to operate in austere environments for extended periods of time without ground support equipment.
C-212s have been used in desert, jungle and Antarctic operations. Its STOL performance and landing gear with low-pressure tyres allow operations on soft and unpaved fields in hot and high conditions.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that the C-212 can carry up to 25 troops or a mixed configuration of personnel/cargo/vehicle (ten troops plus transport). Up to 19 passengers can be accommodated in liaison configuration.
In paratrooping configuration, foldable sidewall seats accommodate 24 paratroops plus a jumpmaster.
USASOAC operates the C-212 under the designation C-41A, primarily in training flights for infiltration and exfiltration, supply drops, and other airborne operations.
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