Indonesian Aerospace (IAe) conducted the first flight of its N219 commuter aircraft on 16 August.
In a statement posted on its website, Indonesia's National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) says the aircraft took off at 09.10 local time for a 30-minute flight, reaching an altitude of 8,000ft. It classed this flight as the "first engineering development flight test."
LAPAN goes on to say that the first flight went "smoothly." Subsequent tests will assess the aircraft's flight characteristics and structural attributes, pending local certification.
IAe's Twitter account: @officialptdi
Images and video posted by LAPAN and IAe on social media show that the aircraft registered PK-XDT conducted the first flight, as well as other ground-based tests in the days prior to the first flight.
The N219 will be capable of operating in a number of commercial, military, and parapublic roles. Missions include scheduled and chartered airline operations, troop transport, search and rescue, cargo, and maritime surveillance.
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42 engines, it can operate up to 480nm (889km) with 19 passengers, while its maximum ferry range is 840nm. At its maximum take-off weight, the aircraft can take off from as little as 393m (1,289ft) of runway.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
