NAL Saras, Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) & Hansa Project

[kstriya]

Up Close & Personal With India’s Reborn Saras Light Aircraft

SARAS PT1N ready for April Low-Speed Taxi Trials

Eight years ago, on 6 March 2009, the second prototype of India’s Saras light civil aircraft crashed near Bengaluru, killing its three-man Indian Air Force test crew. Already beset with technical challenges not uncommon to aviation development, the accident very nearly ended the project. The programme went into an inevitable downward spiral until it veritably departed consciousness, even that of its principal intended customer, the Indian Air Force. The eight year struggle to keep the aircraft project alive has largely remained unknown, with few details emerging from a project that was all but written off. Livefist has now had a chance to interview the new chief of the agency that is fighting to meet a June-July target to get a modified first prototype (See photo) back in the air. In a very candid and wide-ranging interview to Livefist, his first since taking over as director of the National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), Jitendra J. Jadhav provides the first detailed inside view of the Saras’ enormously difficult journey from death, back to life. Our interaction in full:

Why has it taken eight years for the SARAS programme to be in a position to return to flight test?

After the unfortunate accident on 6th March, 2009, all the activities related to SARAS aircraft had to be stopped till completion of accident investigation by DGCA and subsequent implementation of recommendations thereon. The investigation absolved CSIR-NAL of any design deficiencies, but attributed the cause to procedural deficiencies. Other major factors for this delay in resumption of programme were: Change of Regulatory body from DGCA to CEMILAC to meet certification requirements of IAF as the possible launch customer; re-orientation time for CSIR-NAL to the procedures of military certification agency and the time for the regulatory body to get a grasp on the project, as the entry was lateral and at an advanced stage of project. By the time the first prototype was modified and ready for Taxi trials at the end of year 2013, the project had reached its date of completion and CSIR-NAL had to wait for a formal approval from Govt to continue further. This was crucial as the project had important stake holders like HAL, IAF, CEMILAC and DGAQA towards further flight testing and certification of SARAS.

What challenges have been faced by the programme in the last eight years, including the lessons learned from the 2009 accident?

The main challenges faced were / are heavy attrition of trained human resources, obsolescence of critical aircraft systems and LRU’s, vendor reluctance to respond to CSIR-NAL minimal requirements (which is specific to prototype development wherein only one or two systems are built), availability of experienced Test pilots for twin-turboprop configurations for full project duration, availability of dedicated staff from regulatory body due to their preoccupation in several projects of national importance and fund availability for prototype development activity with inbuilt risk of failures.

SARAS PT1 being modified into SARAS PT1N

What specific changes have been made to the first prototype compared to its earlier configuration?

Major changes made to the first prototype, termed PT1N, are upgrading the propulsive system including efficient nacelle, larger metallic rudder for improved controllability, new landing-gear actuators, new brake system to cater to the needs of higher AUW, improved FCS, flame resistant design for nacelle etc.

What are the flight test/IOC/FOC delivery timelines for the SARAS? Can you share figures of total expenditure on the project so far, plus intended expenditure until delivery to customer.

Shortly, CSIR-NAL will carry out flight-testing and evaluation of PT1N aircraft which will provide essential information towards arriving at aircraft configuration for the subsequent weight optimized build for Limited Series Production. Also the developmental flights of Saras PT1N will lead to evaluation of performance and handling characteristics of the aircraft to fine tune the design modifications. This would further pave the way forward towards arriving at an aircraft which will be suitable to meet the IAF requirements through LSP phase.

Total approved budget for the 10thplan proposal project “Spearheading small civil aircraft design, development and manufacture” is INR 297 crores. It is prudent to mention here that the Human resources created in all aspects of civil aircraft design, prototype manufacturing, development of machining centers across the country which can produce airworthy components, the assets like excellent aircraft hangar, state-of-the-art telemetry centre etc., far outweigh the money spent on the project.

What is the productionisation/manufacturing plan for SARAS — what is the sales/export forecast?

Once the aircraft is mid-way to certification and the final SOP is frozen, an industrial partner will be identified towards productionisation /manufacturing. Initially IAF has shown interest in acquiring 15 aircraft and it is hoped that this could further go up to at least 50.

What new roles are envisaged from the SARAS other than light commute and logistics?

SARAS can also be useful for Air ambulance, Maritime Patrolling, Border surveillance, Commutation for regional connectivity and Special Missions. Apart from these applications, SARAS can be used as an excellent flying test bed for new LRU development and qualification. This is so because of the simple reason that the build of SARAS is totally indigenous and can be updated or modified for LRU testing and qualification.

What is the current status of the National Civil Aircraft (NCA) programme of which NAL is an integral part?

At CSIR-NAL, studies have been carried out regarding developing a Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA). The feasibility study indicated: about 250-300 aircraft for India (20 year demand forecast), international market demand for over 7000 RTA class of aircraft and military transport of this class in India : ~150 aircraft (replacement for An-32 and HS748). The suggested model by the High Power Committee is technology development funding by government and equipping/manufacturing in a JV/SPV mode. Presently, CSIR-NAL is contemplating on Phase 1 of the development (ie.) preliminary design phase (PDP). It is envisaged that, CSIR-NAL along with public/private partnership can come together to take this initiative forward with the government.

What is the export scenario of NAL aircraft and systems at this time?

CSIR-NAL is planning for 2 seat ab-initio aircraft Hansa – Next Generation with advanced features aimed at low acquisition cost, low operating cost and minimum maintenance. The project once approved and implemented, we envisage the private partner to take up production and marketing not only catering to Indian market but also to other developing countries.

Further, we are in partnership and collaborative mode with M/s Mahindra Aerospace for the development and certification of CNM-5 aircraft both in India and Australia. While the certification of CASA in Australia will be the responsibility M/s Mahindra acquired Gibbs Aerospace, discussion are in progress with Mahindra Aerospace for manufacturing Five Seat General Aviation Aircraft (CNM5) Prototype Leading to FAR 23 Certifications by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India. With Indian and Australian certificate in place it would be easy for us to market the CNM5 aircraft abroad.

https://www.livefistdefence.com/201...-with-indias-reborn-saras-light-aircraft.html

I heaRd of a bigger or XL version of SARAS, when will that be tested and what are the military applications for such a aircraft.

 

[Pandora]

When whole world is making puller type prop, they gone for pusher type prop ..

Mod edited ..

 

[Compersion]

I would like to see the Saras transformed into a close air support , forward air control and ground attack aircraft a bit like the A-10 of USA.

It's internal passenger layout removed and all weapon and ammunition loaded with goodies.

It's speed and design is ideal. Would be fantastic if such modifications are done and tested.

 

[charlie]

I would like to see the Saras transformed into a close air support , forward air control and ground attack aircraft a bit like the A-10 of USA.

It's internal passenger layout removed and all weapon and ammunition loaded with goodies.

It's speed and design is ideal. Would be fantastic if such modifications are done and tested.

And i want to see Tejas as an aircraft carrier, it's fuselage stretched and wings extended, so that from one wing fighter can take off and on other wing fighters can land.

 

[Compersion]

And i want to see Tejas as an aircraft carrier, it's fuselage stretched and wings extended, so that from one wing fighter can take off and on other wing fighters can land.

are you saying that it is not possible.

i refer to a platform where there is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components over a number of outwardly distinct models.

but my linkage is also beyond platform mechanics and its viability and resurgence and resurrection as well as renaissance that needs to utilise various motivations and intentions that link with aspects for the nation.

i respect your opinions and way you do it.

have a good day.

 

[abingdonboy]

I would like to see the Saras transformed into a close air support , forward air control and ground attack aircraft a bit like the A-10 of USA.

It's internal passenger layout removed and all weapon and ammunition loaded with goodies.

It's speed and design is ideal. Would be fantastic if such modifications are done and tested.

Why are so many fixated with CAS aircraft? India has NO requirements for such assets, the IAF and IA have rejected every opportunity for them.

 

[Akshay_Fenix]

These dickhead just knows,how to be in trouble water .When whole world is making puller type prop, they gone for pusher type prop.I seriously doubt these dickheads kab sudherenge. Just look at Rustom or Tapas ,2 pusher type props in a UAV, suffering with overweight and now compare with All UAV with similar class.

For shorter routes, propellers are efficient. Best suited for testing new aircrafts.
In future the propellers will be replaced with turbofan engines.

Just look at the Embraer.

Old Embraer/FMA CBA 123 Vector

new Embraer 145

 

[Compersion]

Why are so many fixated with CAS aircraft? India has NO requirements for such assets, the IAF and IA have rejected every opportunity for them.

close air support , forward air control and ground attack aircraft with emphasis on the latter. Saras has attributes that are exemplary for instance short take off and speed and range.

I am seeing progressive action in areas of helicopter, missiles and even uavs ...

(Rudra Developed from Dhruv platform)

 

[Kunal Biswas]

If you cannot hold your frustration or whatever troubling you for whatever reasons, Best take your time off from Internet ..

These dickhead just knows,how to be in trouble water .When whole world is making puller type prop, they gone for pusher type prop.I seriously doubt these dickheads kab sudherenge. Just look at Rustom or Tapas ,2 pusher type props in a UAV, suffering with overweight and now compare with All UAV with similar class.

Maaf ,karo bhai if you ask me ,I will never travel in this plane.

 

[Kunal Biswas]

You have HTT-40 for such task

An armed version is planned officially ..

I would like to see the Saras transformed into a close air support , forward air control and ground attack aircraft a bit like the A-10 of USA.

It's internal passenger layout removed and all weapon and ammunition loaded with goodies.

It's speed and design is ideal. Would be fantastic if such modifications are done and tested.

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Airborne reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition aircraft :

It can be utalised as RISTA platform besides light transport and business platform in commercial market ..

The photo above is from 2007, The new design will be different and may feature jets as India have its own jet engine to power small business jets ..

Shortly, CSIR-NAL will carry out flight-testing and evaluation of PT1N aircraft which will provide essential information towards arriving at aircraft configuration for the subsequent weight optimized build for Limited Series Production. Also the developmental flights of Saras PT1N will lead to evaluation of performance and handling characteristics of the aircraft to fine tune the design modifications. This would further pave the way forward towards arriving at an aircraft which will be suitable to meet the IAF requirements through LSP phase.

=======================================================

IAF ASTRA 1125 EW aircraft

Gulf stream 3, EW aircraft

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[Compersion]

You have HTT-40 for such task

An armed version is planned officially ..

I really appreciate the information and knowledge you have shared as well as the way you do such - Fascinating insights makes me want to read more.

Your single "like" is worth above many. Please keep up the good work Jai Hind.

 

[Cutting Edge 2]

Revived Saras likely to complete first flight in June
May 11, 2017, 12.30 AM IST

Bengaluru: The re-engined and modified version of India's ambitious 14-seater Saras aircraft is gearing up for its first flight in June first week.

Having received a thrust from the government under the regional connectivity policy, 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.

First conceived as a civil aircraft, NAL has been pushing Saras for military certification in the past two years, hoping to sell it to the Indian Air Force (IAF). 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 original design included a maximum takeoff weight of 6,100kg and a maximum payload of 1,232kg. The first prototype which completed its maiden flight on May 29, 2004, was overweight at 5,118kg compared to the 4,125kg design specifications.

Even as modifications to make the aircraft airworthy were taken up, the June 6, 2009 crash forced the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to ground the aircraft. The prototype crashed after catching fire in Sheshagiri Halli, near Bidadi, about 30km from Bengaluru. It claimed the lives of three ASTE pilots.

NAL Director Jitendra J Jadhav told TOI on Monday: "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."

Sources in ASTE, while stating that the completion of the ground tests is followed by a flight, however, said: "We will need to get the go-ahead from the safety review board and the first flight review board."

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 said.

In February, Union science and technology minister Harsh Vardhan and Jadhav made a joint announcement that a new version of Saras would be converted into a 19-seater aircraft.

Harsh Vardhan promised NAL complete support, including any financial requirement. Jadhav said on Monday: "A proposal has been sent to our (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) headquarters and a feasibility study is complete."
The new proposal will see Saras with a configurable configuration. While the design is for a 14-seater plane, it can be configured to accommodate 19 persons.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...first-flight-in-june/articleshow/58617263.cms

 

[HariPrasad-1]

Design 50 seaters and 100 seaters also. we need this on urgent basis.

 

[aditya10r]

Design 50 seaters and 100 seaters also. we need this on urgent basis.

Once we have a 100 seater cargo aircraft,we might never need c-130 or uac/hal cargo jet....................

 

[HariPrasad-1]

Once we have a 100 seater cargo aircraft,we might never need c-130 or uac/hal cargo jet....................

Sukhoi has offered a 100 seaters to be made in India in collaboration with Indian company. Just grab the opportunity I will say. We must partner with japan in this area. We can mutually benefit like anything.

 

[aditya10r]

Sukhoi has offered a 100 seaters to be made in India in collaboration with Indian company. Just grab the opportunity I will say. We must partner with japan in this area. We can mutually benefit like anything.

We can get a lot from japan,their f-16 was the first fighter aircraft to have an active aesa,soryu class is one of the best submarines,Kyga and izumo are great ships..................

But only problem is its reluctance

 

[Cutting Edge 2]

Design 50 seaters and 100 seaters also. we need this on urgent basis.

Saras isn't the only aircraft that has been revived.

NAL to revive SARAS, two other civil passenger aircraft
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/sars/article9547354.ece

HAL/NAL Regional Transport Aircraft with a capacity of 70-100 passengers has been also revived under Modi gov.

RTA Render

There are reports of developing this aircraft in both turboprop and turbofan configs.

 

[aditya10r]

Saras isn't the only aircraft that has been revived.

NAL to revive SARAS, two other civil passenger aircraft
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/sars/article9547354.ece

HAL/NAL Regional Transport Aircraft with a capacity of 70-100 passengers has been also revived under Modi gov.

RTA Render

There are reports of developing this aircraft in both turboprop and turbofan configs.

Then please make an aircraft that can carry upto 20 tonnes of cargo and at least 100 soldiers.............

 

[Butter Chicken]

China has mainly state run carriers which almost forced Airbus/Boeing to come and manufacture in China due to gigantic order book.This helped them kickstart their C919 passenger jet program and they can force state-owned carriers to buy it in thousands,enough to sustain and fund further R&D.
Ours are mostly private and cannot be forced to buy Saras or other domestic programs due to WTO rules