IPTN, Solar sign deal

JAKARTA (JP): State-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Industri Pesawat Terbang Nusantara (IPTN) yesterday signed a technology transfer and cooperation agreement with Solar Turbines International (Solar) of the United States to manufacture components and assemble and overhaul industrial gas turbines.

"This agreement represents an important step forward in the application of aerospace technology for oil, gas and general industries," State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie said after signing the agreement.

According to Habibi, the agreement will increase the local content of Solar's gas turbines in Indonesia.

He said the local content increase will save about US$30 million each year in foreign exchange and potentially provide $40 million in export revenue.

"The agreement covers Solar's production of Saturn, Centaur, Taurus and Mars gas turbine engines with a 1,000 to 15,000 horsepower range," he said.

According to Habibi, gas turbines will save energy and allow fuel diversification.

Solar Turbines International, which claims to be a world leader in gas turbine manufacture, has cooperated with IPTN since 1987. (13)