GAF Nomad

Summary

Description

During 1965, design work began at Government Aircraft Factories (GAF) on what became the Nomad, building upon earlier design studies. Initial feedback from the Australian Army, sought in 1966, led to a redesign from a single-engine to a twin-engine configuration to better suit military needs, informed by combat experience. Simultaneously, potential civil operators expressed a preference for a twin-engine setup with enhanced endurance and performance capabilities. GAF then redesigned the proposal into a twin-engine, multi-purpose transport aircraft, designated Project N. In January 1970, the Australian government allocated $A3.2 million to GAF for constructing two flight-capable prototypes and a static airframe, motivated by a desire to support the domestic aviation industry and maintain production at GAF, which was set to conclude its license-produced Mirage III fighter program. The first prototype (registered VH-SUP) conducted its maiden flight on 23 July 1971, leading to its designation as the N2, targeting both military and civilian markets. Production was authorized in May 1972. Problems were discovered in service, including fatigue issues with the tailplane. Production was terminated in 1985 after 172 aircraft were built.

The GAF Nomad is a twin-engine utility/commuter aircraft capable of Short Takeoff/Landing (STOL) operations. It was produced in primary variants, the N22B and N24A. The N24A is 5 ft 10 in (177 cm) longer than the N22B and differs by its larger nose compartment and separated access provided for the main baggage compartment, which was located aft of the cabin. Key features of the Nomad's general configuration include its rugged and straightforward design, STOL performance, compact and economic engines, and a relatively unobstructed and flat cabin floor. The Nomad is powered by a pair of Allison 250B17B/C turboprop engines, capable of generating up to 400 hp (300 kW) each. The cabin has a continuous rectangular cross-section and a large freight door, both features favorable towards utility/freight operators. It has a full-width flat floor, complete with tie-down rails, stressed to bear at least 150 lb/sq ft (730 kg/m2). To achieve an unobstructed fuselage, the two spars of the strut-braced wing are not continuous, terminating at attachment points on the side of the fuselage. The adoption of a retractable undercarriage was a relatively unusual feature for an aircraft of this type. Another uncommon feature for an aircraft of its class was the adoption of an all-moving tailplane.

Externally, the flat underside of the fuselage could be furnished with a pair of hard points, suitable for the installation of mini-guns and other munitions; an additional four hard points could be fitted under the wings. The nose compartment could also be configured into a bay for housing various equipment packages, including radar systems, cameras, or laser scanning/ranging equipment. The GAF Nomad saw deployment in both civil and military roles across various theaters. The Australian Army operated N22B variants for support operations from 1975 to 1995, later supplementing them with N24A aircraft to replace Pilatus PC-6 Porters; however, the entire fleet was withdrawn due to airworthiness concerns. The Royal Australian Air Force also operated Nomads, but retired most of them in 1993 amid safety anxieties. The Indonesian Navy Aviation Service was an early and significant customer, operating Searchmaster B and L variants for maritime patrol and surveillance. Additional N24A and N22B aircraft were acquired from Australia in the 1990s. The type's operational strengths were its STOL capability and utility, but weaknesses emerged, including safety concerns, fatigue issues with the tailplane, and questions regarding aerodynamic stability. Despite its intended broad use, limited foreign sales contributed to production termination in 1985.

Main Variants:

• N.22: This was the initial production version designed for 12 passengers, primarily intended for use by the Australian Army.

• N.22B: A civil version of the N.22, this variant could carry 13 passengers and was adapted for commercial operations.

• N.22F Floatmaster: Equipped with Wipline floats, this version of the Nomad was designed as a floatplane for operations on water.

• N.24: This utility transport aircraft featured a fuselage lengthened by 1.14 meters (3.7 feet) to increase capacity.

• N.24A: An improved version of the N.24, it was designed to accommodate 17 passengers and saw the production of 40 units.

Technical specifications

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	Philippines	3

Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.

All operators

Australia • Philippines • Papua New Guinea • Thailand