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
