TC-90s to give PN ISR capability a big boost

With two Beechcraft King Air TC-90s in the fleet and another three more expected to be in commission within the year, the Philippine Navy’s (PN) capability to conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in the country’s vast maritime territories was greatly boosted. (Photo: ALEC HSU/Flickr)

MANILA—With two Beechcraft King Air TC-90s in the fleet and another three more expected to be in commission within the year, the Philippine Navy’s (PN) capability to conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in the country’s vast maritime territories was greatly boosted.

This was confirmed by Navy spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna in an interview Saturday.

“The transfer of two (Japanese) TC-90s to (the PN) will boost the capabilities of the PN in conducting ISR in maritime areas of interest,” he added.

The first two TC-90s were delivered to the PN during short ceremonies in Sangley Point, Cavite last March 27.

This is aside from its secondary function of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, utility, and transport missions, the Navy spokesperson further stressed.

“The TC-90 will (also) serve as a transition platform for our capability upgrade and in the future to operate the latest in military technology and equipment,” Lincuna disclosed.

The TC-90s have a range of over 1,000 nautical miles, and a cruising speed of 260 knots and capable of carrying eight passengers along with the pilots.

Three more TC-90s are expected to be delivered to the PN within the end of the year.