LAPAN to Develop N-219 Aircrafts

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Research and Technology Minister Gusti Muhammad Hatta supported the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (Lapan) to develop the N-219 transportation aircraft which is considered important in reaching out regions in Indonesia that has short runways.

"We, in the Ministry of Research and technology, support the development of N-219 aircraft because it is able to land in short runways," said Gusti after inaugurating Thomas Djamaluddin as the new Head of Lapan on Friday, February 7.

Gusti said that Thomas will continue take over the development of N-219  and other developments on rockets from the former Lapan Head Bambang Setiawan Tejakusuma.

Meanwhile, Bambang explained that his side has prepared the budget of Rp310 billion for this year's development. The development involves PT Dirgantara Indonesia and the Ministry of Transportation to validate the feasibility and for the aircraft's certification.

"The plan is to establish cooperation with PT DI next month. So, this year we will start the components purchasing, constructions, and feasibility test," Bambang said.

According to Bambang, N-219 aircraft can accommodate 19 passengers and is able to land on a 600-meter runway. "The aircraft will be able to reach the small islands in Indonesia since it has a short take-off and landing," he uttered.

AFRILIA SURYANIS