Bangalore, July 15: The first indigenously designed civilian aircraft Saras, a 14-seater light multirole transport plane, being developed by the National Aerospace Laboratories here, is slated to take to the skies on it's maiden flight in September-October, a top NAL official said. According to NAL Director B Ramachandra Pai, two flying prototypes were being built and were undergoing various tests. Saras, which would be mainly used for commuter and executive roles and 'societal' roles like air ambulance, was rolled out in February this year, NAL officials said. The Rs 132 crore Saras project is funded by the technology development board of the department of scientific and industrial research and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
Though the project had been dogged by delays, the success of Saras was expected to be a catalyst in establishing a viable civil aircraft industry in India, officials said.
Speaking to reporters after a talk on "history of powered flight" at the Bangalore science festival, organised by the Banglore science forum last evening, Pai said the budget for developing Saras was 'a tight one and NAL was "just about managing".
"We are looking for additional funding...May be 10 per cent (of Rs 132 crore)", he said.
The market survey put the demand for Saras domestically at around 150 in the next few years, he said, adding that the Indian Air Force had indicated an initial requirement for six numbers for training purposes.


NAL would also look at developing a stealth version of Saras in the next few years, he said.

Bureau Report