Aircraft Will Be Tasked With SAR Missions

PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) has ordered two AS365 N3+ Dauphin helicopters to boost the search and rescue (SAR) capabilities of Indonesia.

Airbus Helicopters will deliver these twin-engine rotorcraft to PTDI within one year. These helicopters will be reassembled, tested, qualified, completed and customized by PTDI with mission equipment including hoists, flotation systems, direction finder, an electronic optical system, and casualty evacuation devices.

“We are very familiar with the Dauphin platform and are confident that with the installation of dedicated SAR equipment, we will offer the right solution to the Indonesian Government for its SAR demands,” explained PTDI’s President Director Budi Santoso, during the signing ceremony at the Paris Airshow.

The strategic alliance between PTDI and Airbus Helicopters have seen them manufacturing and delivering more than 130 helicopters over the last 40 years. “PTDI knows the needs of Indonesia and has been instrumental in securing the right assets and equipment for the country’s defense. This acquisition is another good example,” said Fabrice Rochereau, Vice-President of South East Asia & Pacific Sales and Customer Relations at Airbus Helicopters.

There are currently five Dauphin helicopters in service in Indonesia, for the Police and Basarnas for law enforcement and SAR missions respectively. The Indonesian Navy ordered 11 Panthers (the military version from the same family) for anti-submarine warfare last year, which will also be delivered by PTDI within the coming three years.

(Image provided by Airbus Helicopters, (L-R) Mr Fabrice Rochereau, Vice-President of South East Asia & Pacific Sales and Customer Relations at Airbus Helicopters; Mr Budi Santoso, President Director of PT Dirgantara Indonesia; Mr Yusuf Ateh, PTDI’s commissioner)

FMI: www.airbushelicopters.com