IPTN HAS signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hawker Pacific, Honeywell, and its Canberra-based Australian representative Aerospace Technical Services (ATS), to work on the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) de Havilland Caribou replacement, Project Air 5109.
The Indonesian manufacturer will be offering an upgraded version of its IPTN 235-220, to be designated the -330 model, with power, avionics, aerodynamic and propulsion enhancements.
The group also plans to develop a multi-role proposal under which it would offer the Australian Defence Force a single-type option to replace up to four other aging types. These include the RAAF's Douglas C-47 Dakotas and Hawker-Siddeley 748s, and the Australian Army's fixed-wing fleet.
The group identifies a total potential market for up to 70 aircraft, and it will be pushing the economics of single-type logistics and maintenance/engineering support, which has attracted interest in Australian defence circles.
ATS says that its proposal would be based on "major production" in Australia. Honeywell will be involved in avionics supply, systems design and integration.
Source: Flight International
