TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesia Air Force (TNI AU) plans to purchase a new AgustaWestland 101 (AW-101) helicpoter to replace its' aging Super Puma helicopter, which is used to transport VVIPs and its' guests, according to TNI AU's Head of Public Informations, Air Commodore Dwi Badarmanto. The unit is set to arrive in Indonesia in 2016.
"The purchase is already included in TNI AU's strategic planning for 2014-2019, so although it will be used primarily for the President's transport, it is not purchased for the President alone," said Badarmanto to Tempo on Monday, November 23, 2015.
AW-101 helicopters have three Rolls Royce Turbomeca RTM322-01 turboshaft engines with a total output of 1,566 kWs, which will make it faster and more capable of carrying more passengers. "Super Pumas have a maximum load of seven - the newer AW-101s will be able to transport 13 passengers in greater comfort," said Badarmanto.
The Palace has yet to comment on the purchase.
ANANDA TERESIA