Paul Lewis/BANDUNG
INDONESIA'S INDUSTRI Pesawat Terbang Nusantara (IPTN) has begun a second phase of expanded flight-testing of its prototype N250.
The twin turboprop has undergone 39 flights to date, totaling 40h, since its maiden flight on 10 August. The lead prototype has been flown to a maximum speed of 250kt (460km/h) and an altitude of 10,000ft (3,000m).
According to N250 programme manager Djoko Sartono, the aircraft's flight-test envelope will now be expanded to over 300kt and a ceiling of 25,000ft. Flights, which have been scheduled for December and January, will also include the start of flutter testing.
He adds that there have been "no major bugs" with the aircraft's Lucas/Liebherr-designed digital fly-by-wire system. Concern over possible "Dutch rolls" during approach had led to some minor software modifications before the aircraft's first flight.
Fabrication of the second prototype has already begun, with the first flight scheduled for May 1996. The aircraft will be the first stretched 64- to- 68-seat N250-100. Other modifications will include a lower wing box for reduced drag, more rounded slats and a larger baggage hold.
Two more N250-100 prototypes are due to follow at three-month intervals, with a fifth and final prototype planned for mid-1997. Series production will begin in mid-1996, with the first aircraft scheduled for delivery to either Merpati or Sempati in the third quarter of 1997.
IPTN, in the meantime, is proceeding with plans to assemble the N250 in Mobile, Alabama, from 1997 onwards. The Indonesian manufacturer intends to hold a 40% stake in American Regional Aircraft Industries (AMRAI) and is still trying to attract local investors to take the remaining 60% stake in the $100 million joint venture.
"We're still negotiating, but we have a commitment from General Electric for at least 10%," says IPTN, which also claims that Boeing is among the leading US companies interested in AMRAI.
Source: Flight International
