Argentina incorporates the second TC-12B Huron aircraft acquired from the US

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Argentina’s Defense Minister Jorge Taiana led the presentation of the second Beechcraft TC-12B Huron of the 12 acquired from the United States. The ceremony took place at the Aeroparque Military Air Station (AMA) in Buenos Aires.

This second aircraft, which arrived in the country on December 29 at El Plumerillo, Mendoza, received its low visibility gray scheme before being introduced. Like the first one, received in August, it will be destined for the II Air Brigade in Paraná, Entre Rios.

Both aircraft arrived late. The Argentine Air Force’s General Staff Chief, Xavier Julián Isaac, wished to receive four before the end of last year, which was not possible.

The idea is to receive two more units in May, another two in June, and reach ten before the end of the year.

INCREASING TACTICAL MOBILITY

The incorporation of these units aims to increase the tactical and strategic mobility of the Argentine Air Force, improving the transport and operational air supply capacity of the II, III, V, and VI Air Brigades, the Military Aviation School, and the Morón Military Air Base, bases where these aircraft will be distributed.

In his speech, Minister Taiana stated: “This acquisition is a qualitative leap and reaffirms the objectives of the National Defense Fund (Fondef) to re-equip and recover the capabilities of our Armed Forces“.

“This incorporation demonstrates the defense policy we are carrying out. It was not a product of chance, but responds to planning, to a planned recovery of capabilities”, explained Isaac. And he asserted: “The Fondef is bearing fruit, and this is one of the most tangible examples”.

He also highlighted the human element involved throughout the acquisition process in examining, selecting, and fine-tuning the units. It reaffirms the sense of belonging of the people working for the recovery of the force.

ONBOARDING PROCESS

In 2018, a requirement was made given the need to have a transport aircraft of this type before decommissioning the IA-50 Guarani II. A letter of intent was sent to the U.S. embassy, and an agreement of understanding was made between the parties.

Although the acquisition of the units was free of charge, an investment of around US$16 million was made for ten aircraft to be overhauled and modernized.

BEECHCRAFT TC-12B HURON

This twin-engine, two-crew turboprop aircraft is a transport and training aircraft designed and produced by Beech Aircraft Corporation, powered by two 850 hp Pratt & Whitney PT-6A-41 turboprop engines, which give it a maximum range of 1,974 nautical miles (3,658 km) and a ceiling of 35,000 feet (10,668 meters).

Also present at the ceremony were the Armed Forces’ Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Lieutenant General Juan Martín Paleo; the Army’s Chief, Major General Guillermo Olegario Pereda; the Navy’s Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Vice Admiral Eduardo Antonio Traina; the Ministry’s Chief of Staff, Héctor Mazzei; and the Secretary of International Defense Affairs, Francisco Cafiero.