New PAF aircraft for airlift missions

It will join our other transport aircraft like the (Airbus) C-295, (PT Dirgantara Indonesia) NC-212i and (Lockheed) C-130

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has assigned the brand-new Gulfstream G280 command-andcontrol aircraft (C2) to the 220th Airlift Wing, the unit responsible for transport missions based in Mactan, Cebu.

“It will join our other transport aircraft like the (Airbus) C-295, (PT Dirgantara Indonesia) NC-212i and (Lockheed) C-130,” PAF spokesperson Lt. Col. Aristides Galang said in Filipino Tuesday.

He said the air force now has sufficient trained pilots and personnel to man the new aircraft.

The Gulfstream G280 arrived at the Clark Air Base in Angeles, Pampanga last 20 September, and was formally turned over to the PAF Monday.

In its inaugural flight, it transported medical supplies and personal protective equipment sets to Davao City.

Galang earlier said the aircraft would become part of a system designed for enhanced control of operations through continuous communications, especially during emergencies.

The mission of the 220th

Airlift Wing is to conduct tactical airlift operation in support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The aircraft is capable of speeds around 500 knots and has a range of 3,600 nautical miles aside from having the capability to land on small runways and transport 12 to 15 persons including the pilots and crew.

The contract for the G280 was signed in early 2019 and was acquired through US Foreign Military Sales.