INDUSTRI PESAWAT Nusantara Terbang (IPTN) will decide by the end of the year whether to drop an 80-seat version of the planned N2130 regional-jet family.
The Indonesian manufacturer had intended developing three versions of the aircraft, ranging from 80 to 130 seats. Consultation with international and domestic airlines, however, has shown little support for a shortened variant.
"Sales prospects for the 80-seater are not as bright as for the 100- and 130-seat aircraft," says N2130 programme executive vice-president Ilham Habibie. "A decision will be made at the end of the year."
Development of an 80-seater has a major influence on the overall size and configuration of the N2130 family. With the N2130's conceptual-design phase now drawing to a close and full-scale design and development scheduled to begin in March 1997, a final decision is needed soon.
Tied to the question of an 80-seater is the issue of whether the N2130 will be designed for a five- or six-abreast seating layout. Industry observers suggest that a longer, narrower five-seat fuselage cross-section would be more suitable for the smaller design.
Discussions with international airlines have resulted in conflicting opinions over the aircraft's cockpit configuration. While most Asian and European carriers prefer an Airbus Industrie-style sidestick over a conventional column, this is meeting "some resistance in the USA", says Habibie.
Final selection of the aircraft's avionics suite is planned for 1998. Early findings point to a five-screen, Arinc-standard, system, with the Honeywell Primus, Rockwell-Collins Pro Line 21 and Sextant Integrated Modular System all in contention.
The N2130 will be designed around a full-authority, fly-by-wire (FBW) flight-control system. Lucas/Lieberr is proposing a further development of its three-axis FBW system installed in the N250 turboprop, and the company is willing to enter into a local joint-venture arrangement.
Competing to power the N2130 are BMW Rolls-Royce, offering the BR.715; CFM International, bidding with the CFM56-9C and Pratt & Whitney, proposing the PW6000. IPTN will decide by late 1997 on whether to select one engine or offer a choice of two. It is asking manufacturers for a full co-operative package, including participation in nacelle and pylon design, says Habibie.
Top of the list of subsystems due to be selected will be the N2130's landing gear. Leading contender and N250 gear supplier Messier Dowty met IPTN in May to discuss its future requirements.
IPTN has signed memoranda of understanding with three Indonesian carriers for more than 100 N2130s. Flag carrier Garuda Indonesia has signed for 20 N2130s, Sempati Air Transport for up to 21 aircraft, along with 20 options, and Merpati Nusantara for 15 aircraft and 15 options.
Source: Flight International
