Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation

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Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation
PADC
TypeGovernment-owned and controlled corporation
IndustryAerospace and Defense
FoundedSeptember 5, 1973; 48 years ago (1973-09-05)
HeadquartersPasay, Metro Manila, Philippines
Area served
Philippines
Key people
Raymond L. Mitra, President and CEO
ParentDepartment of National Defense
Websitewww.dnd.gov.ph

The Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation (PADC) is a state-owned aerospace and defense technological development corporation integrated to the Department of National Defense through Executive No. 78 s. 2019. As of 2021, PADC is under organizational realignment with the country's Department of National Defense's and National Security Council's highly classified plans and programs, including but not limited to its vital function as the epicenter for the implementation of Presidential Decree No. 415 s. 1974 and as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1081 s. 1977. PADC shall again, be one of the conduits of the continuous process of Republic Act No. 10349 s. 2012. PADC is the catalyst in the creation and implementation of Presidential Decree No. 1570 s. 1978.

History[]

The corporation was established on September 5, 1973 by the virtue of Presidential Decree No. 286, which was issued by then-President Ferdinand Marcos.[1][2] The decree served as the charter of the corporation was revised through Presidential Decree No. 696 issued by Marcos on May 9, 1975.[3]

The mandate of the firm is to establish a "reliable aviation and aerospace industry" in the Philippines, design, manufacture and sell "all forms" of aircraft, as well as to develop indigenous capabilities in the maintenance, repair, and modification of aviation equipment.[4]

It attempted to develop local aircraft such as the PADC Hummingbird helicopter and the PADC Defiant single-engine trainer in the 1980s but the programs were scrapped due to licensing issues and lack of government support.[1]

Following a meeting of the Governance Commission for GOCCs in late 2017, PADC is set to be abolished. Those present in the meeting views that PADC has failed its mandate particularly in successfully designing a plane for the last 45 years.[1]

A PADC director, Rene Abad, has called for the PADC's ‘revitalization’ instead, to contribute to the country's development and security.[5]

On March 15, 2019, through Executive Order No. 78 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte, the corporation was effectively transferred from the transportation department to the Department of National Defense.[6]

Prototypes[]

  • PADC Defiant 300 - is the first PADC developed Philippine light aircraft. A single prototype was made and the aircraft had its first test flight in 1987. Its fuselage is made of wood and fiberglass and had a Lycoming engine with a capacity of 300 horsepower. The project was abandoned due to lack of government funds.[7]
  • PADC Hummingbird - a prototype helicopter developed from the 1980s to the 1990s which is considered as a copy of MBB Bo 105 of Eurocopter. The project was terminated due to the design being too lengthy and expensive, and design licensing issues.[7]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c Carabello, Mayvelin (28 December 2017). "State-owned aerospace company to be abolished". The Manila Times. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  2. ^ "Presidential Decree No. 286, s. 1973". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. 5 September 1973. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  3. ^ "Presidential Decree No. 696, s. 1975". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. 9 May 1975. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  4. ^ "Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation (PADC)". Civil Aeronautics Board. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  5. ^ "PADC director calls for state-owned firm's 'revitalization'". The Manila Times. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
  6. ^ "Duterte transfers Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation to DND". GMA News. March 21, 2019. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
  7. ^ a b "Philippines to close aerospace agency for inactivity". The Gulf Today. Indo-Asian News Service. 28 December 2017. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
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