Page 13 - AAA MARCH - APRIL 2015 Online Magazine

SHOW REPORT LIMA 15

The first N-219 prototype
is expected to roll-out in
the next few months and
civil certification is slated
to be obtained in the last
quarter of next year
On Track

First flight of Indonesia’s N219 this year
By J K Chandra
INDONESIA’S EFFORTS TO DEVELOP A its existing facilities and machinery to as Persero also demonstrated scale
modern multi-purpose 19-seater aircraft great an extent as possible.” The aim was models of its CN-235 configured for
are on track. to use existing technologies and younger maritime surveillance at LIMA. Malaysia
“The development programme is engineers to develop the aircraft. The N219 was one of the largest customers for the
on schedule, and we expect the maiden received its Type Certificate in February, CN-235, inducting a total of eight aircraft,
flight of the first prototype to take place last year. The market size estimated two of which were in VIP configuration.
later this year,” Andi Alisjahbana, Director by Persero in Indonesia alone, is about A Persero official told Asian Airlines and
of Technology and Development at PT 100-150 aircraft, with initial production Airports. “We are hoping that we can
Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero), told Asian capacity having been fixed at 12 aircraft sell more CN-235 aircraft for Malaysia’s
Airlines and Airports. per year. This will be ramped up once maritime patrol requirements.” Persero
The first N-219 prototype is expected production rates stabilise to 24 aircraft per has also begun working on a self-funded
to roll-out in the next few months and year, provided there is sufficient demand. CN-235 gunship version for border patrol
civil certification is slated to be obtained The N219 will be hoping to replicate the duties and has already started work on this
in the last quarter of next year. The success of de havilland Canada’s DhC- configuration. The company is hoping to
N-219 is the smallest aircraft to be 6 Twin Otter; and is slated to cost an have the aircraft ready in time for display
developed by Persero and development estimated US$ 4.5 million, compared to at the Singapore air show next year.
of the completely Government funded the US$ 7 million for a Twin Otter. The
programme is scheduled for completion N219 will be equipped with a modern
by 2017. glass cockpit with a Garmin 1000 avionics
Andi says, “Development costs have suite, an auto-pilot will be made available
been very low, as the company has used as an optional feature.
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