PTDI and Bell Prepare 9 Helicopters For The Indonesian Armed Forces

Jakarta, airmagz.com - PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) together with a helicopter company from the United States, Bell Textron Inc. celebrated the achievement of the 70th delivery of a helicopter from BEll to PTDI. The helicopter sent is the Bell 412EPI series.

It is planned that Bell will send nine 412EPI series attack helicopters to PTDI. Until now only 2 have reached PTDI. Later PTDI will make adjustments to the nine helicopters before they are sent to the Army.

Bell Asia Pacific Managing Director David Sale said this series of helicopters was equipped with the latest features.

"This helicopter has undergone the development stage that is currently the best with the latest features so that it can be used for any purpose," David said at Shangri-La Hotel, Central Jakarta, Wednesday (11/27).

PTDI's Head of Business Development and Marketing Division added that the helicopter is equipped with 2 engines and has improved from the previous series.

"This helicopter is very flexible and lightweight and is equipped with the latest technology," he said.
To get to the hands of the Army, PTDI takes 2 years to adjust. The nine helicopter procurement project is estimated to cost up to 180 million USD.

"The nine helicopter project will cost approximately 180 million USD, it is complete with weapons components. For the funding of this project we also received assistance from abroad, "added Ibnu Bintarto, one of PTDI's representatives.

The nine helicopter procurement project is a continuation of cooperation between PTDI and Bell which has lasted 50 years. In 2016 both of them signed the Renewal of the Industrial and Commercial Agreement which allowed the two companies to expand their support and services in Indonesia for Bell helicopters. In addition, PTDI manufactures tail booms, door assemblies, door poles, pylons and ducts for Bell 412 and Huey II helicopters. (IH)