Navy activates 2nd TC-90 patrol aircraft

The Philippine Navy (PN) has activated the second Beechcraft King Air TC-90 donated by the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), a naval official disclosed Saturday. (Photo By 海上自衛隊/Wikimedia)

MANILA — The Philippine Navy (PN) has activated the second Beechcraft King Air TC-90 donated by the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), a naval official disclosed Saturday.

Lt. Sahirul Taib, the Philippine Fleet spokesperson, said the second TC-90 was activated and placed under PN service last March 19. The ceremony was held at the Heracleo Alano Naval Base, the headquarters of the Naval Air Group in Sangley Point in Cavite City – with Philippine Fleet commander Rear Admiral Danilo R. Rodelas as the guest of honor.

Taib said the second TC-90, with tail number NV-392, was activated shortly after the installation of the needed navigational equipment and repainting.

He added that the aircraft will play a useful role in maritime air surveillance, which is vital in producing critical and sensitive information necessary for maritime situational awareness.

The first TC-90 aircraft was activated last Nov. 21, 2017 and made her maiden flight by conducting maritime air surveillance over Bajo De Masinloc on Jan. 31. It is under the operational control of the Northern Luzon Command.

Three other TC-90s are scheduled to arrive on Monday.

The aircraft has a range of over 1,000 nautical miles, and a cruising speed of 260 knots. It is capable of carrying eight passengers.

Prior to the commissioning of the TC-90, the Navy is operating around six Norman Britten “Islander” patrol aircraft, four GAF “Nomad” planes, five Agusta Westland combat utility helicopters and a Robinson R-22 training helicopter.

The TC-90, which is part of the Beechcraft King Air aircraft family, was offered by Japan shortly after the agreement on the transfer of defense equipment and technology was finalized on February 29, 2016.