Dirgantara Indonesia Commences Manufacturing N-219 Airplane

Bandung, W Java, Sept 9 (Antara) - The Dirgantara Indonesia Ltd. Co. has started cutting parts to manufacture the airframe components as the preliminary step for producing the N219 airplane. "This is one of the important processes in the manufacturing of an airplane," President Director of Dirgantara Indonesia Budi Santoso stated here on Tuesday. Budi had signed an MoU with the National Space and Aviation Agency in the production hangar of the company in Bandung, West Java Province. The agency has allocated a budget and involved several engineers majoring in aerodynamics, structure, propulsion, navigation, and avionics for the project. The work on the airplane project was started in 2006 by conducting a market review and feasibility study. The company also conducted a concept test and wind tunnel testing during the period between 2008 and 2012. Dirgantara Indonesia plans to accomplish the assembly of the N219 airplane and be shown to the public by August 2015. The company will start conducting test flights in December 2015. "We can see a completely assembled airplane in August 2015. Then, we will test the airplane, and it is expected to enter the certification process in 2016," Budi revealed. The N219 development can offer the necessary impetus to the national aviation industry and promote the development of a pioneer airplane for easy accessibility to remote areas. "We wanted that this airplane can be an example for the development of a pioneer airplane in Indonesia," Budi affirmed. Chief of National Space and Aviation Agency Thomas Djamaludin remarked that the manufacturing of the N219 airplane is a new positive chapter in the history of Indonesia, which will help enhance its vision of achieving an independent, advanced, and prosperous nation. According to the chief, Indonesia is ready to develop and boost the national aviation industry. "Indonesia will develop the airplane that will have international flight feasibility certification," Thomas added.