Page 32 - ADT SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2021 Online Magazine

Gradual [ AIR SYSTEMS ]
The new Super Hercules transports will be operated by TNI-AU’s
31st squadron based in Halim Perdanakusuma air force base in
Jakarta. The ‘long body’ version C-130J-30 Super Hercules has a
maximum payload of about 20 tonnes or a maximum capacity for
either 128 combat troops or 92 paratroopers. This version also has
Buildup an improved range of about 4,000 km with a payload of 18,143 kg.
The Super Hercules procurement contract for TNI-AU was signed in
March 2019 as part of the US Foreign Military Financing (FMF) pro-
gramme. To date, the service is operating about 23 C-130, Hercules,
in a mix of C-130B/H and L-100 versions. Lockheed Martin’s C-130J
Super Hercules is a further improved version of the Lockheed’s
C-130 series aircraft which first entered service in 1956. First flown
INDONESIA AND THAILAND in 1996, the C-130J has a top speed of 675 km/h, a cruising speed
ARE GRADUALLY ADDING NEW of 644 km/h, and a maximum range of 3,300 km with a normal
AIRBORNE ASSETS TO ENHANCE maximum payload of 15,422 kg.
MILITARY STRENGTH
Partnering for Progress
PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) and Turkish Aerospace Industries
Yulian Ardiansyah (TAI / TUSAS) formalized an industrial collaboration agreement
in September. The production extension of the N-219 airplane at
Indonesia and Thailand are gradually enhanc- PTDI’s facility in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, the modernization,
ing their military aviation capability with new and life extension of Turkey’s CN-235 fleet, engineering support of
aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and TAI’s development project, as well as a joint development agree-
enhanced aerospace collaboration with friendly ment in the PTDI’s N-245 regional airliner project, are the main
nations. The induction of some of these plat- points covered in this agreement which was signed by PTDI’s CEO,
forms provides a much-needed boost to both Elfien Goentoro, and TAI’s CEO, Temel Kotil.
militaries and will enhance their capability to
carry out operational missions as mandated. The N-245 aircraft project was started by PTDI in 2015 to develop
The Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional a regional airliner in the 40-54 seat category based on the CN-235
Indonesia - Angkatan Udara / TNI-AU), a C-130 transport aircraft. Powered with two Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC)
operators since 1960 is expecting the first of PW127Z turboprop engines, each driving a six-blade propeller, the
six new C-130J-30 Super Hercules military N-245 is designed to be able to land and take off in less than 900
transports by end 2021. Due to the age of meters of unprepared and grass runway, a common occurrence
some aircraft and after several losses during in Indonesia’s remote regions. Originally planned to have its first
the type’s active duty, the Indonesian Air Force prototype introduced to the public last year, the project has met
has been in dire need to replace these old air- some setbacks, notwithstanding the current pandemic. With the
craft with newer ones. signing of the agreement with TAI, it’s now within the expectation

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