Navy gets 2 upgraded aircraft

An Australian aviation firm turned over two upgraded planes to the Philippine Navy yesterday.

Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Ariel Caculitan said Hawker Pacific Limited overhauled Britten Norman Islanders PNI 314 and PNI 312 and fitted them with new airframes, engines, radars, and avionics systems that would enable pilots to fly them using only instruments.

The upgrading cost the Navy P72 million, he said.

Caculitan said the upgrading of the two aircraft is one of the Navy’s programs to keep not only a fleet of operational ships, but also aircraft that can respond to maritime security concerns.

Caculitan, a Marine pilot, said he flew an Islander over the disputed Spratly islands and discovered six Chinese vessels at Mischief Reef in December 1995.

“It has been a dependable workhorse of the Navy, contributing to maritime security operations of the Navy, especially in the contested Spratlys where it does mainly air reconnaissance, transport of personnel, search and rescue, and re-supply missions for military forces deployed in the contested territory,” he said.

Caculitan said the Navy has seven Islanders deployed in Mindanao, Northern Luzon and Palawan. – James Mananghaya