Taiwan’s air force is allegedly planning the purchase of at least eight ATR 42-600 twin-engine turboprop aircraft to replace its three aging Fokker 50 and eleven Beechcraft 1900C aircraft.
Both aircraft types currently comprise the special transport aircraft fleet of the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF), and they are used primarily for administrative transport duties.
Two Beechcraft 1900Cs have been modified for testing and calibrating navigation aids, while another is assigned to the Flight Training Command for multi-engine training of prospective transport pilots.
The Fokker 50 and Beechcraft 1900C entered service in 1988 and 1992 respectively, and they are approaching the latter stages of their operational lives. The Fokker 50s in particular may face increasing sustainment challenges as the global fleet declines.
Citing industry sources, a key factor in selection of the ATR 42 is that its larger, stretched version – the ATR 72 – is already operated by local regional airlines, with an established sustainment and support network in place.
It is possible the ROCAF could eventually opt for a mixed ATR 42 and ATR 72 fleet, taking advantage of the latter’s greater capacity where it can accommodate up to 30 more passengers. The ROCAF could also convert some ATRs to a combi configuration, utilising a flexible cabin that can be reconfigured to carry a mix of passengers and freight.
A light transport capability has remained an unfunded ROCAF requirement for decades, and an ATR fleet capable of carrying cargo could partially address that capability gap. This could also help ease the burden on its C-130H fleet, which is routinely tasked with personnel and cargo transport missions around Taiwan.
It is unknown whether the ATR will also assume the Beechcraft 1900C’s navigation aid calibration and training roles. It is understood the current replacement programme is focused on the transport mission at this stage, with the Beechcraft 1900C potentially being retained for both specialist roles.
Also on the transport front, the latest indications are that the ROCAF could acquire ten Lockheed Martin C-130Js, while eight of its 19 C-130H transports would be retained and potentially undergo a partial upgrade.
Separately, the first of two batches of Taiwan’s four MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned aerial vehicles arrived in the country in June, and they are undergoing testing by manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.
With its long endurance and significantly enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, the MQ-9B will provide a step change in Taiwan’s airborne ISR capability.
by Roy Choo
