Indonesia’s PTDI to develop gunship version of CN-235 aircraft

A CN-235 gunship of the Royal Jordanian Air Force. PTDI's version will be quite similar to this. Photo c/o David Donald / Aviation International News

During the sidelines of the contract signing for 17 helicopters with the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) Production Director Arie Wibowo confirmed that they are planning to introduce a new gunship variant for the CN-235 tactical aircraft.

The gunship CN-235 will be armed with still unspecified type of guns, cannons, rocket launchers and other munitions.

Mr. Wibowo also mentioned that the Royal Thai Navy has already expressed interest in such aircraft variant, which requested for rocket launchers to be installed.

The new gunship variant is projected to be introduced within 2019, with the testbed expected to fly by March 2019.

PTDI has indicated that it has experience in modifications for the CN-235, as they participated in a similar program in Turkey for their MELTEM II Maritime Patrol Aircraft using the CN-235.

PTDI has first pitched the idea of introducing a gunship variant of the CN-235-220 in 2018, and included plans to install the DEFA 553 30mm cannon salvaged from retired Douglas A-4 Skyhawk attack aircraft of the Indonesian Air Force. It is expected to be pitched to Southeast and Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and African countries.



[1] Suara Merdeka News
[2] IHS Jane’s