First indigenous trainer aircraft test-flown

BANGALORE, May 11: In a landmark development in civil aviation, India8217;s first indigenously built all-composite two-seater trainer aircraft, Hansa-3, was successfully test flown here today. Launching the test flight, Science and Technology Minister Murli Manohar Joshi described the event as quot;the first step in building civil aviation industry in the countryquot;. Union Minister for Civil Aviation HN Ananth Kumar was among those who witnessed the flight of Hansa-3, with test pilot Baldev Singh at the controls.

Also present at the launch were the director general of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research CSIR RA Mashelkar and director of the National Aerospace Laboratories NAL Dr TS Prahlad. The 750-kg aircraft has been designed and tested by the NAL here and would be produced by NAL8217;s partner Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Limited TAAL at its modern factory in Hosur. Congratulating NAL, Ananth Kumar assured full cooperation from his Ministry and said quot;We want to indigenise production of civilaircraft.quot; quot;Fabricated entirely out of composite materials, Hansa is ideal for training, sport and hobby flying,quot; said Prahlad.

It can also be used for surveillance, aerial photography, and environmental monitoring. Today8217;s launch will be followed by more test flights to obtain official certification of flight worthiness from both India and Europe. NAL said at least 100 to 150 aircraft will be sold in India in the next five years. It said enquiries had been received from Australia, Europe and Latin America.

Hansa will be sold at about Rs 35 lakh 8212; about 20 per cent cheaper than comparable aircraft of its class elsewhere in the world. NAL said the composite aircraft, apart from being light, was easier to repair.