IPTN N2130: The Ambitious Indonesian Regional Jet That Never Flew
In the pursuit of establishing a domestic aerospace powerhouse, Indonesia once envisioned a sophisticated regional aircraft capable of connecting cities across the archipelago and beyond. This vision took the form of the IPTN N2130, a proposed commuter airliner designed to compete in the growing regional aviation market.
Developed by IPTN (Industri Pesawat Terbang Nusantara), now known as Indonesian Aerospace, the N2130 was intended to be a leap forward in the nation's aeronautical engineering capabilities, moving from smaller aircraft to a larger, jet-powered commercial platform.
Key Facts
- Manufacturer: IPTN (now Indonesian Aerospace)
- Aircraft Type: Regional jet / Commuter airliner
- Passenger Capacity: 80 to 130 passengers
- Estimated Cost: 2 billion US dollars
- Project Status: Cancelled in 1998
- Production: Zero units built
Design and Specifications
The IPTN N2130 was conceived as an original design tailored for the regional market. It was engineered to accommodate between 80 and 130 passengers, placing it in a competitive bracket with other short-to-medium haul aircraft.
From a design perspective, the N2130 shared several similarities with established industry staples, most notably the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A318. These similarities suggest a focus on a conventional, reliable layout optimized for efficiency and passenger throughput in regional hubs.
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The Path to Cancellation
Despite the ambitious goals and the technical planning involved, the N2130 never reached the assembly line. The project required a massive financial investment, with estimated costs reaching 2 billion US dollars.
The turning point came in 1998. The Asian financial crisis—a period of severe economic instability that swept through East Asia—crippled the funding and economic viability of the project. Consequently, the N2130 program was cancelled before a prototype could be completed or a first flight could be attempted.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Indonesia |
| Capacity | 80-130 Passengers |
| Estimated Budget | $2 Billion USD |
| Fate | Cancelled (1998) |
| Units Produced | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the IPTN N2130?
The IPTN N2130 was a proposed regional commuter airliner designed by the Indonesian company IPTN (now Indonesian Aerospace).
How many passengers could the N2130 carry?
The aircraft was designed to carry between 80 and 130 passengers.
Why was the N2130 project cancelled?
The project was cancelled in 1998 due to the economic impact of the Asian financial crisis.
Did the N2130 ever fly?
No, the aircraft was never built, and therefore it never performed a first flight.
Which existing aircraft was the N2130 similar to?
The design of the N2130 bore similarities to the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A318.