A model of the PTDI CN-235 hybrid gunship-maritime patrol aircraft is on display at the 2020 Singapore Airshow. (Mike Yeo/Staff)
Malaysia will convert two Indonesian-built CN-235 transport aircraft into maritime patrol platforms using U.S. funding set aside for regional nations to improve maritime security, a top general confirmed.
Malaysian Armed Forces chief Gen. Affendi Buang said the plan is to convert three of the military’s seven PT Dirgantara Indonesia-made CN-235s into unarmed maritime surveillance aircraft.
Work will be carried out by PTDI’s facilities in Indonesia using funding from the Maritime Security Initiative.
Is there a USCG connection? Only that the CN-235 is also known as the HC-144 and the Coast Guard has 18 of them.
The gunship capable version for the US?
It is about what is possible, should the need arise.
I do think, perhaps, there might be a reason to have the fixed wings capable of providing warning shots across the bow and an armed over-watch when PCs or PBs are engaged in law enforcement operations since, unlike larger ships, they only have one boat and they don’t have a helicopter to provide equivalent protection.
Probably not on the same level as the AC-130! But looks like Mk.3 SAK 57x438mm Bofors…
@Secundius, it seems to indicate it is a 30mm.
I stand corrected! An DEFA (Direction des Etudes et Fabrications d’Armement) 553 30x113mm revolver auto cannon rated at ~1,300rpm…
( https://www.janes.com/article/94279/sinapore-airshow-2020-indonesia-prepares-cn-235-gunship-for-first-aerial-firings )
( https://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/209627/ptdi-exhibits-cn-235-gunship-at-singapore-airshow.html )