Indonesia approves purchase of five Airbus A400M military airlifters

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World Defense & Security News - Indonesia
 
 
Indonesia approves purchase of five Airbus A400M military airlifters
 
The Indonesian government reportedly approved the purchase of five Airbus A400M transport aircraft. According to Jane’s, Indonesia recently gave its green light to a US$2 bn acquisition project to boost airlift capabilities of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU), it was confirmed on Jan. 18.
     
Indonesia approves purchase of five Airbus A440M military airlifters 640 001Airbus' A400M military transport aircraft
(Credit: Airbus Defence & Space)
     
This acquisition project received an official greenlight from the commission on defence, intelligence, and foreign affairs of the country’s House of Representatives. According to Jane’s, the project was approved with the condition that the final three aircraft undergo final fit-out at PT Dirgantara’s factory plants in Bandung. The five aircraft will be operated by the Air Force’s Aviation Squadrons 31 and 32.

The Indonesian defense minister Ryamizard Ryacudu unveiled the country’s intention to buy Airbus aircraft on May 11, 2016. Up to now, Malaysia remained the only export customer for the aircraft after South Africa canceled its order in 2009.

Airbus' A400M airlifter will significantly increase the transport capabilities of TNI-AU, which actually operates 17 C-130s Hercules, 14 CASA C-295s and some Fokker F27 transport aircraft.

With a maximum payload of up to 37 tonnes (81 600 lb) and a volume of 340 m3 (12 000 ft3), the A400M can carry numerous pieces of outsize cargo including, vehicles and helicopters that are too large or too heavy for previous generation tactical airlifters, for example, an NH90 or a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, or two heavy armoured vehicles for military purposes.

Thanks to its four unique Europrop International (EPI) TP 400 turboprops, the A400M has the capability to fly distances up to 4,700 nm / 8,700 km, at a cruising altitude up to 37,000 ft, and at a speed of up to Mach 0.72, very similar to that of a turbofan powered airlifter. It can even fly up to 40,000 ft for special operations.