The story
The CASA C-212 Aviocar is a boxy, unpressurized twin turboprop built to operate where runways barely exist. Fixed gear, a rear loading ramp, and short-field manners made it a favorite of air forces, special operations units, skydivers, and smokejumpers. Spain built it first; Indonesia still builds it today.
More than 50 years after its 1971 first flight, the C-212 is still in production — now built in Indonesia as the NC212i.
Quick answers
How do you identify a C-212 Aviocar?
A flying shoebox: slab sides, high wing, fixed landing gear, rear ramp. If one is circling a drop zone, count the skydivers coming out the back.
What does a C-212 Aviocar sound like?
Twin Garrett turboprops — a high, raspy whine spotters can pick out of a crowd.
How fast is the C-212 Aviocar?
Top speed is 200 kts.
How many passengers does the C-212 Aviocar carry?
Up to 26. A typical layout is 2 crew + 26 passengers or 25 paratroopers.
How far can the C-212 Aviocar fly?
Range is about 450 nmi with full military load.
How big is the C-212 Aviocar?
It is 53 ft 0 in long and 66 ft 6 in across the wings.
When did the C-212 Aviocar first fly?
Its first flight was in 1971.
How many C-212 Aviocars have been built?
600+ built.
How rare is a C-212 Aviocar in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first C-212 Aviocar catch is worth 250 points.
