PT DI delivered the helicopters to the Defense Ministry to strengthen the operations of the Indonesian Army and Navy.
The helicopters were handed over by PT DI President Director Budi Santoso to Army Chief of Staff deputy logistic assistant Brig Gen Nengah Widana and Navy Chief of Staff logistic assistant Vice Admiral Sru Handayanto, in the presence of Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Army Chief of Staff logistic assistant Maj Gen Hari Krisnomo, Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Soeparno, and deputy Army Chief of Staff Lt Gen Budiman.
PT. Dirgantara Indonesia (DI) is an Indonesian aerospace company in Asia involved in aircraft design, development and manufacturing of civilian and military regional commuter aircraft.
Of the three Bell-412 EP helicopters, two were assigned to the Indonesian Army and one to the Navy.
The Bell-412 is a utility helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It is an advanced version of the Bell-212 model, with the major difference being the composite four-blade main rotor.
The 412 model was followed by the 412SP (Special Performance) version featuring larger fuel capacity, higher takeoff weight and optional seating arrangements.
In 1991, the 412HP (High Performance) variant with improved transmission replaced the SP version in production.
The current production version, 412EP (Enhanced Performance), is equipped with a dual digital automatic flight control system.
PT DI President Director Budi Santoso said the company would give two more helicopters of the same type to the Indonesian Army and Navy, respectively, in the near future.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
