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Saras set to fly again within next three months

 
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PostPosted: Fri Feb 17, 2017 7:15 am    Post subject: Saras set to fly again within next three months Reply with quote

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2017/feb/17/lighter-stronger-saras-set-to-fly-again-within-next-three-months-1571526.html

Lighter, stronger Saras set to fly again within next three months

17th February 2017

India’s ambitious multi-role transport aircraft project seems to be on a revival mode. National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has reduced the aircraft weight and got engines with more power to put Saras project back on track. It is likely to take to the skies again in the next three months.

Indian Air Force (IAF) is backing the 14-seater aircraft project that had almost hit a dead end due to weight issues and a major mishap in 2009. “The IAF recently sent a letter stating they are still interested in the aircraft,’’ a senior NAL official said.

The aircraft was overweight by 500 kg. “Weight optimisation has been done. Metal wings have been replaced with those made from composite materials and even the fuselage has been structurally optimised to reduce its weight by 500 kg,’’ the officer, who is associated with the project, said.

Saras also got the more powerful Pratt & Whitney 1200 SHP engines over the earlier 850 SHP ones. NAL is now preparing for ground tests and hopes to start flight tests in two-three months.

On Thursday, Union Minister of Science & Technology Dr Harsh Vardhan told media persons that the project has been revived with modifications after considering the recommendations of a committee that looked into the 2009 accident.

Jithendra Jadhav, Director of NAL, said Saras will be in action within the next one-and-half months. NAL has made many changes in the aircraft and integrated latest systems, he said.

On funding, the NAL director said they do not need any additional funding as they received funds from CSIR. “In the next phase, we need around Rs 400-500 crore for production of two Limited Series Production aircraft and IAF will fund it,’’ he added.

Jadhav also said they are looking at options of a stretch version of Saras in the 19-seater configuration.

In an attempt to boost domestic air operations, NAL has tied up with Mahindra Aerospace Pvt Ltd to have a plant in India to start production of the C-NM5 aircraft in India.

Speaking at a press conference, Union Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Harsh Vardhan said, “The five-seater C-NM5 was designed by NAL and fabricated by Mahindra in association with a laboratory of Australia. Now they have agreed to bring it back to India. In the next few months, we will get certifications from authorities concerned. Production of the C-NM5, which can be used as an air taxi, is expected to start in another 18 months from now.”

NAL said, “Studies have been carried out regarding developing a Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA). The feasibility study forecast about 250-300 aircraft for India (20-year demand), over 7,000 RTA class of aircraft in the international market and about 150 aircraft for military transport in India (replacement for A 32 and HS 748).


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PostPosted: Thu May 11, 2017 8:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.businesstoday.in/sectors/aviation/india-made-in-india-plane-saras-aircraft-nal-iaf/story/251881.html

India's homemade Saras aircraft may take off in June

May 11, 2017

If you thought India doesn't have a 'Made in India' civil aircraft, you may soon have to brush up on your knowledge.

India's homegrown 14-seater aircraft Saras which has been re-engined and modified is expected to take off for the first time in the first week of June.

According to a report in TOI, Bengaluru-based National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) has handed over the aircraft to Indian Air Force's (IAF) Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) for test flights amid the government's push to promote regional connectivity.

Although the plane was conceived as a civil aircraft, NAL has been pushing Saras for military certification. Saras will now boast of multi-role capabilities like feeder line aircraft, air ambulance, executive aircraft, troop transport, reconnaissance, aerial survey and light cargo transport, the report said.

"The engine tests have already begun. The low-speed taxi and high-speed taxi trials are expected to be completed by the end of this month. After that, the ASTE will do the first flight most probably in the first week of June," TOI quoted NAL Director Jitendra J Jadhav, as saying.

According to NAL, manufacturing of two Limited Series Prototypes of Saras will require Rs 400 crore to Rs 500 crore. "The final product will be taken care of by the IAF, but we will need this amount for the prototypes," Jadhav had said.

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