The N250’s predecessor, the CN-235, is a joint Spanish-Indonesian project developed both as a military transport and regional airliner. Pictured here is CN-235M-100 CNA-MB, one of seven in service with the Moroccan Air Force’s transport squadron at Kenitra.

Among the configuration changes made to the N250 during its initial design phase was moving the tailplane from the base of the fin to the fin tip. A further improvement, carried out in the light of initial flight testing, was the incorporation of an elliptical rather than circular aft fuselage cross section to increase the lower hold volume and a lower wing box for reduced drag. The pitot probe mounted on the nose of the prototype seen here was fitted for flight test purposes only and will not be carried on production aircraft.

In early 1996, the N250 prototype began its second phase of flight-tests, with the envelope being extended to 300kts/25,000ft. No major problems were encountered with the aircraft or its systems.

Taking-off for its maiden flight on August 10, 1995. Piloting the N250 for the 48 min sortie was IPTN’s Chief Test Pilot, Erwin Dinuwinata.

Roll-out of the N250 occurred on November 10, 1994, it was, however, to be some nine months before first flight was undertaken.

The first N250 (PAI), which was completed as a 50-seater, comes together on the assembly line at Bandung.

The N250’s flightdeck features Collins Pro Line IV EFIS incorporating a five-screen layout and EICAS monitoring system. Despite its FBW features, IPTN has adopted conventional yokes, rather than side-sticks.

An early impression of the N250, before the T-tail arrangement had been adopted.

Three-view drawing of the IPTN N250.