29 July 2025
The Black Eagle UAV from PTDI Successfully Conducts First Flight Test
MAJALENGKA, WWW.PASJABAR.COM – PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) carried out a flight test of an unmanned aircraft of the Medium Altitude Long Endurance (PTTA MALE) type named Elang Hitam at West Java International Airport (BIJB) Kertajati, Majalengka, on Monday (28/7/2025).
This flight test marks an important milestone in PTDI's ongoing efforts to develop unmanned aerial systems based on national technology. During the test, Elang Hitam was accompanied by a Kodiak aircraft belonging to PTDI, which functioned as a chaser aircraft.
This accompanying aircraft is tasked with monitoring the performance of the Black Eagle directly in the air. It also supports flight safety aspects during the testing process.
The Director of Commerce, Technology & Development of PTDI, Moh Arif Faisal, stated that this flight test is an important step. To prove the capability of the national defense industry in mastering key technology in MALE class PTTA.
"This flight test is a proof-of-concept for mastering key technology in the design of MALE-class PTTA. It includes system configuration design, automatic flight control systems, and long-range communication systems. This proof of concept serves as a basic reference for further development of MALE according to national needs," he said.
Development Through Consortium Scheme
The development of Elang Hitam is carried out through a consortium scheme with PTDI as the lead integrator.
This project involves various strategic institutions such as the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) and the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN), which are now part of BRIN, the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, the Indonesian Air Force, PT Len Industri, and the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB).
From conceptual design, initial design, prototype, to testing and certification processes, Elang Hitam is fully developed by the national ecosystem.
This step is in accordance with the directives of the Defense Industry Policy Committee (KKIP) which emphasizes the importance of strengthening the domestic PTTA ecosystem.
As a MALE category drone, Elang Hitam has the ability to fly at an altitude of 20,000 feet for 24 hours non-stop.
Weighing more than one ton, this platform features a modular architecture that allows for adaptation to various missions. Both military and civilian, such as maritime surveillance, border monitoring, to disaster mitigation.
The success of the development of the Black Eagle has positioned Indonesia to potentially join the ranks of a limited number of countries in the world that master strategic PTTA technology.
At the global level, MALE drones have become a strategic priority for countries with modern military capabilities, such as the United States, Turkey, France, and India.
“The flight test of the Black Eagle is not just a test of an unmanned aircraft. It is a statement that Indonesia is ready to stand alongside developed countries in the development of future defense technology. We see the Black Eagle as an important foundation for creating a self-sufficient and competitive national PTTA ecosystem,” added Moh Arif Faisal.
The flight test phase will continue until the Black Eagle receives official certification from the relevant authorities.
PTDI is optimistic that this success can accelerate the independence of Indonesia's defense industry, while also opening opportunities for further development in the civil sector.
Source : https://pasjabar.com/2025/07/29/pesawat-nirawak-elang-hitam-ptdi-sukses-jalani-uji-terbang-perdana/
