A first-of-its-kind indigenous aircraft trainer, HANSA-NG, developed by the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), has completed sea-level trials in Puducherry, a necessary condition before evaluation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
HANSA-New Generation is reportedly one of the most advanced flying trainers, powered by a Rotax digital control engine with features such as a composite lightweight airframe, a glass cockpit, a bubble canopy with a wide panoramic view, and electrically operated flaps.
The CSIR-NAL says the aircraft is designed to meet the need of flying clubs in India for trainer aircraft.
“It is an ideal aircraft for commercial pilot licensing due to its low cost and low fuel consumption. NAL has already received more than 80 nos. of LoIs [letters of intent] from various flying clubs,” the organisation said in a statement.
The aircraft had so far completed 37 flights and 50 hours of flying and a few more were necessary before getting “type certification” by the DGCA. This certification process is likely to be completed by April and thereafter, industry will begin to manufacture the aircraft.
Cruise to Puducherry
For the sea trials, the aircraft was flown from Bengaluru to Puducherry covering 140 nautical miles in an hour and a half at a cruising speed of 155 kmph on February 19. The objectives were to evaluate handling qualities, climb and cruise performance, baulked landing and structural performance, including positive and negative G-forces, and power plant and other systems performance.
CSIR-NAL said in a statement that “all the objectives of the sea-level trials are met”, and the aircraft was being ferried back to Bangalore, the headquarters of the CSIR-NAL.
The two-seater Hansa-NG, a revamped version of the original Hansa developed three decades ago, had a successful maiden flight on September 4 when it took off from the HAL airport in Bengaluru and flew for about 20 minutes.
The CSIR-NAL has said the aircraft will be certified within the next four months before it gets inducted into service.
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