After a market survey, in 2022 the Indonesian Ministry of Defence reached out to Vulcanair for the purchase of a number of A-VIATOR turboprop aircraft for the purpose of modernising the fleet of the Indonesian Navy composed of old and costly large twin-engine turboprop and obsolete single engine piston aircraft. More particularly the Navy need was a certified and available modern yet cost effective
aircraft to cover a wide range of missions from twin engine turboprop training, transport, surveillance and maritime patrol. In December 2023 a contract was signed for the supply of four initial aircraft with a series of ancillary services such as pilot and maintenance training, and a dedicated customized simulator. After the setting up of the proper financing the contract was activated on January 29th 2026 and the construction of the aircraft has commenced in Vulcanair’s facilities in Casoria (Naples) Italy.
The A-VIATOR (AP.68TP-600) is certified under normal category by EASA [Ref. TCDS EASA.A.385], high-wing twin turboprop, non-pressurized aircraft. The structures of fuselage, wing, empennages are all metal construction with stressed skin, and the tricycle landing gear is retractable. The latest version of the A-VIATOR will be powered by the RR 250 B17/F powerplants and the latest avionic suite. The sleek yet simple fuselage allow the aircraft to be fast, efficient and cost effective. The aircraft can be configured for a vast number of missions and sensor installations making it the perfect candidate for a scalable maritime patrol and surveillance platform. In addition, the aircraft has very benign flight characteristic and can be easily operated in and out of remote areas using un-prepared short runways. The twin engine configuration ensures the necessary level of safety for over-the-water operations to reach the vast Indonesian archipelagic state.
The A-VIATOR is a variant of the Vulcanair P.68 Series with a fleet of over 500 aircraft manufactured and flying globally. The fuselage has been stretched to allow more space on board and 2 turbine powerplants replace the piston engines allowing the aircraft to operate in areas where AvGas is not readily available. The retractable landing gear improves the already excellent speed characteristics, and the stretched fuselage allows a more efficient use of cabin space, resulting in a maximum seating capacity of 9 passengers and 2 pilots. A rugged landing gear, coupled with the wide wheel-base and the wing mounted engines that provide substantial ground clearance, allows the A-Viator to operate safely from short and unprepared strips. This capability is essential to operators who must fly into remote and seldom used airfields.
Vulcanair is a privately held company founded by the late Ing. Carlo De Feo in 1996 who through Vulcanair acquired the assets of Partenavia and of the Siai Marchetti SF600A programs. Since 1999 Vulcanair has been delivering special mission aircraft globally, which is the main focus of the company thanks to its aircraft attributes and portfolio. Vulcanair assures comprehensive worldwide product support, both directly and through its dealer network. Maintenance, overhaul and repair operations can be carried out at the Vulcanair Service Centre or at authorized centres worldwide. Efficient and prompt technical assistance is assured by Vulcanair technical representatives for AOG and other emergencies. The 250 B17 F engines are serviced worldwide by the large network of Rolls-Royce representatives and by their numerous authorized maintenance centers. It is the responsibility of the pilot to conduct all operations in accordance with the approved Pilot’s Operating Handbook, which is the only official source of data.
