The existence of Indonesia as an archipelagic country makes Indonesia need more innovation in the field of transportation, especially for remote areas that are difficult to reach by land transportation. One of the things that PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) did as the only aerospace industry in Southeast Asia is the innovation in the development of the N219 aircraft into an amphibious version.

Indonesia as the world's maritime axis country with 60% of its area being waters certainly has great potential to develop the concept of water tourism using amphibious aircraft, which in its implementation this alternative mode of transportation is believed to be able to accommodate connectivity needs in priority tourist destination locations and can become a logistics transportation to support the people's economy in the surrounding area.

PTDI is currently taking a new chapter to answer the needs of amphibious aircraft in Indonesia. The N219 aircraft developed into an amphibious variant will be equipped with float or float components from composite materials as a replacement for wheels for landing in open water, where PTDI has been dedicated and fully committed to the research and development of the N219 amphibious aircraft with the inclusion of man hours, the use of production facilities, to a number of tests in the laboratory.

The development of the N219 aircraft into an amphibious version is also one of PTDI's efforts in creating a growth/spin over impact on the domestic industrial ecosystem, including industry in the region, one of which is in terms of developing floater production in the country and its operation, as well as aircraft maintenance/maintenance activities. Being a special concern for PTDI to continue to observe the growth of various new technologies in the aviation world, which will later be useful for the Indonesian aerospace ecosystem and not lag behind competitors in the realm of aviation technology.

The N219 amphibious aircraft development program is part of the main initiative of the Ministry of National Development of Indonesia/Bappenas and becomes one of the flagships of Indonesia's Economic Transformation through a domestic industrial development strategy. With the support from the Ministry of National Development of the Republic of Indonesia/Bappenas, the N219 amphibi development program is also encouraged to become a symbol of the development of defense industry independence in line with national priorities in the defense sector in the 2020-2024 RPJMN.

Improved Defense Capability with N219 Amphibi Aircraft

In its development, the basic version of the N219 aircraft will be improved in performance, for Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) from the previous 6,700 kg will be increased to 7,030 kg and for the payload from the previous 1,550 kg to 1,900 kg, where the addition of a floater weighing ± 600 kg will then leave the power of the aircraft to carry a load of up to 1,300 kg or equivalent to a load of 17 passengers.

In the development of composite floaters, PTDI cooperates with Aerocet and Momentum, American-based amphibious aircraft manufacturing companies, which are targeted to obtain international standard certification from The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2026, so that later the N219 amphibious aircraft can also be commercialized globally. For the N219 amphibious aircraft itself is targeted to make its first flight in 2026 and get a certification from the Directorate of Aircraft and Aircraft Operations (DKPPU) of the Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia in 2027.

The N219 amphibious aircraft is designed to achieve speed capability of up to 296 km/h at an operational altitude of 10,000 feet and range capability of up to 231 km, as well as take off calculations at a distance of 1,400 m in water and landing at a distance of 760 m. Based on these capability specifications, the N219 amphibious aircraft is very suitable to serve the needs of island areas that only need water-based ports, especially to support military operations in remote areas and borders which are strategic areas to maintain state sovereignty.

Long-Term Vision for Defense and Economy

In addition to targeting Local Governments and private companies to serve island mobility services, the Indonesian Ministry of Defense also needs this type of aircraft to maintain the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia. N219 amphibious aircraft can be used for various sectors, especially in the tourism sector, government official travel services, oil & gas companies, public health services, SAR & disaster management and maritime area supervision.

Investment in the development of N219 amphibious aircraft is part of the long-term vision of the Indonesian Government to strengthen defense and economy. By improving transportation and logistics capabilities through this aircraft, Indonesia can strengthen its strategic position as the world's maritime axis and ensure sovereignty, as well as the security of its territory in a sustainable manner.