Breaking news
Panama's National Air and Naval Service inducts AW139Ms, Twin Otter aircraft.
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World Defense & Security News - Panama
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Panama's National Air and Naval Service inducts AW139Ms, Twin Otter aircraft
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By Nathan Gain
Two Leonardo AW139M and one Viking Air DHC-6-400 Twin Otter light transport aircraft joined the National Naval Air Service (SENAN) of Panama, the SENAN stated on January 8, 2018. They will be used to fight against international drug trafficking, organized crime, as well as provide humanitarian aid. |
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 The Twin Otter light transport aircraft recently inducted by the SENAN(Credit: SENAN) |
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The handover ceremony, held at the Station Teniente Octavio Rodríguez Garrido (former Howard Base), was attended by the President of the Republic, Juan Carlos Varela. "We are living an historic moment, during which our institution is supplied with new equipment to strengthen the operational capabilities of our aeronautical units in order to fulfill the mission of saguarding the life, honor and assets of the citizens," said Belsio González, SENAN Director General.
The two AW139Ms, with registration number AN-145 and AN-146, are powered by two Pratt & Whitney engines and accomodate 12 people. Additional specifications of these helicopters include ballistic protections, anti-vibration system, cargo hook with a 4,850 pounds lift capacity and modern avionics. The DHC-6-400 is equipped with a fully digital integrated avionics and can operate on unprepared and short tracks. In addition to the AW139Ms and Twin Otter platforms, the SENAN's Air Group currently flies various aircraft, such as Cessna 208 Caravan, Piper PA-34 aircraft, and MD-500, AW109, Bell 212 and Bell 412 choppers. |
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 One of the two AW139Ms recently inducted by the SENAN(Credit: SENAN) |
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