What is the most exported Spanish aircraft in aviation…

What is the most exported Spanish aircraft in aviation history as of 1982?

Short answer

The CASA C-212 Aviocar, with 478 aircraft sold in total — a figure covering its whole commercial career, not just 1982 — of which 126 were built under license in Indonesia. It has been flown by 92 operators: 31 military and more than 50 civilian companies. It is by far the greatest success of the Spanish aerospace industry.

Published: November 1, 2026 · Updated: November 1, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

What is the most exported Spanish aircraft in aviation history as of 1982?

CASA C-212-200 Aviocar - EC-ECDPedro Argao (CC BY SA), vía commons

From Seville to the world market

The first C-212 prototype, registered XT.12-1, made its maiden flight on March 26, 1971. In 1974 the Spanish Air Force decided to buy the model, which had already been named Aviocar, to renew its fleet. Production of the type at the Seville plant lasted forty years.

A second line in Indonesia

In 1975 the Indonesian aerospace company IPTN agreed with CASA on terms to manufacture up to 108 C-212s under license in Indonesia. Licensed production is maintained there by Indonesian Aerospace, PT Dirgantara Indonesia, formerly called IPTN, under the designation NC-212. Of the 478 aircraft sold, 126 came off the Indonesian lines.

Users, versions and the closure of the Spanish line

Ninety-two operators have flown the Aviocar worldwide, including 31 military users and more than 50 civilian companies. In 1997 the improved -400 version was unveiled, with a glass cockpit and more powerful Honeywell TPE331 engines. In December 2012 the last C-212 assembled in Spain was delivered, destined for the Vietnamese Coast Guard. Taken together, these sales are by far the greatest success of the Spanish aerospace industry.