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

[Chinmoy]

HAL is trying to close it cz its in talks with Ilyushin to produce similar aircraft , rather assemble

Yeah I know that. That's what I said.

 

[uoftotaku]

This is not politics. This is called wastage of resource.

Although competition is good and by the step of incursion, HAL could create some pressure on NAL to perform and stay relevant. But overall the competition is still not fair taking into account that HAL is getting support from ADA unlike NAL.

Because HAL has no incentive to support an organisation like NAL or even ADA for that matter. HAL exists purely as a airframe assembly and aviation MRO business. It will assemble anyone's design to support its own business. The separation is very Soviet style and has no place in the modern context but it has been allowed to fester to the point where even fellow Govt agencies do not co-ordinate or see eye to eye on matters that they should be united on.

 

[IndianHawk]

Because HAL has no incentive to support an organisation like NAL or even ADA for that matter. HAL exists purely as a airframe assembly and aviation MRO business. It will assemble anyone's design to support its own business. The separation is very Soviet style and has no place in the modern context but it has been allowed to fester to the point where even fellow Govt agencies do not co-ordinate or see eye to eye on matters that they should be united on.

That's changing now . Lca mk1a is an HAL project so is htt40 . LCH and LUH are also HAL projects .

HAL is developing engines also with htse and htfe. It's also designing IMRH now.

So it's not just an assembler anymore. It's graduating to developer also.

 

[Prashant12]

How the Saras aircraft will be a game-changer | Analysis


The first-ever indigenous light passenger aircraft Saras is all set to soar the skies, and will prove to be a game-changer in domestic civil aviation. With the fillip to domestic manufacturing by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, the 19-seater Saras Mk2 project led by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) is slated to be one of the biggest achievements under the Make In India mission.

In just four more years, Saras Mk2 will obtain final certification. Their induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) will begin from 2024. It is encouraging that the IAF has already committed to the induction of 15 such aircraft for various applications such as troop movement, VIP transport and supply roles during emergency situations. The in-house design and manufacturing of Saras Mk 2 are now attracting global attention. The reasons are the low acquisition and operating costs, high aircraft performance abilities and the latest generation technologies compared to any contemporary aircraft such as Dornier Do 228NG (Germany), N219 (Indonesia), Beechcraft 1900D (US), LET 410 NG (Czech Republic) and Harbin Y12F (China).

The Saras project will pave the way for the knowledge generation, design and development of the 70-90 seat aircraft for regional passenger connectivity. The design studies of the next generation 70-90-seater regional transport aircraft are on, and the proposal is under examination by the ministry of civil aviation. The Saras MK 2 project will, therefore, be a unique example of co-development, co-production under the Make in India initiative.

It is also attracting a lot of attention with the government having announced the ambitious UDAN scheme to facilitate and stimulate regional air connectivity at affordable fares to offer air travel to those who walk with ‘hawai chappals’, and decided to expedite efforts in the manufacturing of the indigenous light passenger aircraft. The first attempt to design and develop a multi-role transport aircraft began in 1999 after the green signal from then PM AB Vajpayee, and award of the prestigious project to the NAL, a constituent of the CSIR.


The CSIR-NAL, without prior experience, designed and developed the first prototype of Saras. Consequently, the first successful maiden flight took off on May 29, 2004, thus enabling India to join the elite club of five nations to manufacture the light passenger transport aircraft.


After taking over as Union minister of science and technology, I visited NAL in 2015 and saw the manner in which the efforts of our scientific community were being wasted as the once-famous Saras prototype stood in the hangar waiting to be revived. I convened a meeting and exhorted our scientists and engineers to restart work on the project and not feel demoralised by what had happened.

The project was soon back on track. A team of 40 young enthusiastic scientists, under the leadership of JJ Jadhav, director, CSIR-NAL, worked round-the-clock to effect various modifications on their first Saras prototype aircraft (PT1) and to overcome the deficiencies during the earlier flight testing. The modified Saras took to the skies once again in a period of 14 months on January 24, 2018.


The modified version of Saras has completed 23 flights. The Saras project will go a long way towards meeting the aspirations of the government that intends to improve rural air connectivity between tier-two and tier-three cities. There is no doubt that India urgently needs a Light Transport Aircraft like Saras.

An estimated demand for the small civil and military aircraft will be 120 to 160 craft in the next 10 years. There is also export potential. Seeing the capability, the government in June gave ~496 crore to CSIR-NAL make two production-standard aircraft (the 19-seater Saras Mk2) following which technology will be transferred for production by HAL.

NAL has already started design activities related to the 19-seater Saras Mk2 for building the two production standard aircraft and two sets of structural test articles. This is being done with the involvement of private/public sector industries, MSMEs, other research laboratories of CSIR and academic institutions. The most-advanced model-based design, system engineering and product life-cycle tools are being used. Four years down the line, the aircraft is expected to be certified and their induction will begin from 2024. It is encouraging that the IAF has already committed induction of 15 aircraft. This reflects the culture of turning impossible to possible as practised by our PM.

Indian scientists are among the best in the world. My endeavour has been to allow our scientists and engineers to develop innovations that will lead to import substitution. With the development and success of Saras, the Indian scientific community has once again proved its capacity to add to India’s growth story.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/anal...er-analysis/story-FL7FFkbGxrNeRYQ7qYy5XN.html

 

[ezsasa]

This article is like a chap giving his own final appraisal rating.
Science and tech minister is the author of this article.

How the Saras aircraft will be a game-changer | Analysis


The first-ever indigenous light passenger aircraft Saras is all set to soar the skies, and will prove to be a game-changer in domestic civil aviation. With the fillip to domestic manufacturing by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, the 19-seater Saras Mk2 project led by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) is slated to be one of the biggest achievements under the Make In India mission.

In just four more years, Saras Mk2 will obtain final certification. Their induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) will begin from 2024. It is encouraging that the IAF has already committed to the induction of 15 such aircraft for various applications such as troop movement, VIP transport and supply roles during emergency situations. The in-house design and manufacturing of Saras Mk 2 are now attracting global attention. The reasons are the low acquisition and operating costs, high aircraft performance abilities and the latest generation technologies compared to any contemporary aircraft such as Dornier Do 228NG (Germany), N219 (Indonesia), Beechcraft 1900D (US), LET 410 NG (Czech Republic) and Harbin Y12F (China).

The Saras project will pave the way for the knowledge generation, design and development of the 70-90 seat aircraft for regional passenger connectivity. The design studies of the next generation 70-90-seater regional transport aircraft are on, and the proposal is under examination by the ministry of civil aviation. The Saras MK 2 project will, therefore, be a unique example of co-development, co-production under the Make in India initiative.

It is also attracting a lot of attention with the government having announced the ambitious UDAN scheme to facilitate and stimulate regional air connectivity at affordable fares to offer air travel to those who walk with ‘hawai chappals’, and decided to expedite efforts in the manufacturing of the indigenous light passenger aircraft. The first attempt to design and develop a multi-role transport aircraft began in 1999 after the green signal from then PM AB Vajpayee, and award of the prestigious project to the NAL, a constituent of the CSIR.


The CSIR-NAL, without prior experience, designed and developed the first prototype of Saras. Consequently, the first successful maiden flight took off on May 29, 2004, thus enabling India to join the elite club of five nations to manufacture the light passenger transport aircraft.


After taking over as Union minister of science and technology, I visited NAL in 2015 and saw the manner in which the efforts of our scientific community were being wasted as the once-famous Saras prototype stood in the hangar waiting to be revived. I convened a meeting and exhorted our scientists and engineers to restart work on the project and not feel demoralised by what had happened.

The project was soon back on track. A team of 40 young enthusiastic scientists, under the leadership of JJ Jadhav, director, CSIR-NAL, worked round-the-clock to effect various modifications on their first Saras prototype aircraft (PT1) and to overcome the deficiencies during the earlier flight testing. The modified Saras took to the skies once again in a period of 14 months on January 24, 2018.


The modified version of Saras has completed 23 flights. The Saras project will go a long way towards meeting the aspirations of the government that intends to improve rural air connectivity between tier-two and tier-three cities. There is no doubt that India urgently needs a Light Transport Aircraft like Saras.

An estimated demand for the small civil and military aircraft will be 120 to 160 craft in the next 10 years. There is also export potential. Seeing the capability, the government in June gave ~496 crore to CSIR-NAL make two production-standard aircraft (the 19-seater Saras Mk2) following which technology will be transferred for production by HAL.

NAL has already started design activities related to the 19-seater Saras Mk2 for building the two production standard aircraft and two sets of structural test articles. This is being done with the involvement of private/public sector industries, MSMEs, other research laboratories of CSIR and academic institutions. The most-advanced model-based design, system engineering and product life-cycle tools are being used. Four years down the line, the aircraft is expected to be certified and their induction will begin from 2024. It is encouraging that the IAF has already committed induction of 15 aircraft. This reflects the culture of turning impossible to possible as practised by our PM.

Indian scientists are among the best in the world. My endeavour has been to allow our scientists and engineers to develop innovations that will lead to import substitution. With the development and success of Saras, the Indian scientific community has once again proved its capacity to add to India’s growth story.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/anal...er-analysis/story-FL7FFkbGxrNeRYQ7qYy5XN.html

 

[ladder]

Already posted above...........................................................

 

[Prashant12]

National Aerospace Laboratory wants govt. push for Saras Mk2 takeoff

https://www.thehindu.com/news/natio...ush-for-saras-mk2-takeoff/article30487826.ece

 

[Prashant12]

CSIR, DRDO to join hands to develop Saras engine



The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will collaborate with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to produce an indigenous engine for the Saras light passenger aircraft being developed by it.

“We will be taking up the project jointly. Designing and developing an aero-engine is a highly complex task,” Dr Shekhar C Mande, Director General, CSIR, said during his visit here. “Apart from the power plants, all major systems of the Saras are indigenous,” he added.

The DRDO has been developing the Kaveri engine that was initially meant for the Light Combat Aircraft since the mid-80s, but has not been successful. While some technologies and components were validated, there were problems with some. While various types of aero-engines have been produced under licence in India, an indigenous engine has not been developed. According to some experts, developing a turboprop for a transport aircraft is less complex than developing a jet engine for a fighter.

The prototype version of the Saras, being developed by the CSIR’s National Aeronautical Laboratory (NAL), is powered by two Canadian Pratt and Whitney PT6A turboprop engines, that are not only mounted on the rear of the fuselage instead of the wings, but also face rearwards.

“The 14-passenger Saras plane, which is undergoing flight trials, will also have the capability to taxi in reverse, a feature that is not very common in aircraft. In the IAF’s inventory, the American C-17 strategic freighter and the German Dornier Do-228 have this feature. Taxiiing in reverse require the jet blast from the engines to be directed forwards but it has technical, environmental and safety concerns when operating in the vicinity of aerodrome terminals or structures.

The NAL would be conducting 20 test flights of the Saras before the design is frozen and production would be undertaken by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The IAF has committed to procure 15 aircraft.

Dr Mande, who is a member of Gaganyaan National Advisory Council, the steering body for ISRO’s manned space mission, said the NAL was also deeply involved in testing an devaluating many of the launch vehicle’s components.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/csir-drdo-to-join-hands-to-develop-saras-engine-26803

 

[proud_indian]

I'm sorry. That was in response to Hansa. Saras is doing trials with composite propellers. I think higher thrust, lower noise. Then there's some trials with tractor type engine & props (presently it's a pusher prop). Glass cockpit etc is also happening.


First time hearing this!

 

[Prashant12]

MoU Signed Between HAL and CSIR-NAL for Design, Development, Production and Maintenance of SARAS MKII Aircraft



CSIR, HAL sign defence aircraft MOU

Hyderabad: State-owned aerospace giant HAL and CSIR-NAL (National Aero Space Laboratories) on Friday inked a pact for design, development, production and maintenance of SARAS MK II aircraft, which is intended to be sold to Indian defence services, civil aviation sector and export customers.

The indigenously designed and developed 19-seater aircraft will also cater to the needs of regional connectivity in tier-2 and 3 cities, as well.

The MOU was signed by HAL director (operations) MS Velpari and NAL director Jitendra J Jadhav in the presence of senior officials of both the institutions.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...defence-aircraft-mou/articleshow/74619760.cms

 

[Prashant12]

Indian Light Transport Aircraft Saras is undergoing a series of modifications & upgrades. Exploratory flight-tests on-going with composite propellers.

 

[Sridhar_TN]

Forgive my ignorance. What exactly will be the utility of saras?
Props to the teams for coming up with the product, but to the naked eye, it just looks like a twin engined plane. Like a cessna. Interesting to see that after 60 years, this is the product nal comes up with. Indian Defence reporters got hold of a new word:”game changer”. Which is Pretty much used for every article ever written.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.hind...nalysis/story-FL7FFkbGxrNeRYQ7qYy5XN_amp.html

 

[darshan978]

Forgive my ignorance. What exactly will be the utility of saras?
Props to the teams for coming up with the product, but to the naked eye, it just looks like a twin engined plane. Like a cessna. Interesting to see that after 60 years, this is the product nal comes up with. Indian Defence reporters got hold of a new word:”game changer”. Which is Pretty much used for every article ever written.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.hind...nalysis/story-FL7FFkbGxrNeRYQ7qYy5XN_amp.html

small troops transportation aircraft ,if mass produced will be great.
can help establish Indian transport planes industry and hopefully we could make heavy lift transport planes in near future and civilian planes ofcource.

 

[Neeraj Mathur]

any derivative of saras that can replace EmbraerERJ 145 for netra.

 

[kstriya]

Can an aircraft of Saras size land and take off using catapult from Aircraft carrier? It can act as an E2 for IN? Is there any extended airframe envisaged for Saras program???

Any insight will help...

 

[Pandora]

Can an aircraft of Saras size land and take off using catapult from Aircraft carrier? It can act as an E2 for IN? Is there any extended airframe envisaged for Saras program???

Any insight will help...

Yes it can even land on roof top and do sita haran ....

 

[kstriya]

Yes it can even land on roof top and do sita haran ....

Abe MC... there is something called as strengthening of landing gear and this aircraft is capable of shorter take off.. once we have a vertical take off and landing capability I would land in your roof top and spank your ass to teach you some civility

 

[Bleh]

They should try the ultra high-bypass turbofan concept. Loud (which is why the idea didnot "take off") , but damn powerful.

 

[Pandora]

Abe MC... there is something called as strengthening of landing gear and this aircraft is capable of shorter take off.. once we have a vertical take off and landing capability I would land in your roof top and spank your ass to teach you some civility

Abey chutiyanadan ,basic basic question kyu puch raha,why don't search the thread asshole.?

 

[shuvo@y2k10]

Hawkeye 2D is a much bigger aircraft than the proposed NAL Saras.

MTOW
Haweye 2D: 24.5 ton
NAL saras mk 1: 7.1 ton

Range:
Hwkeye 2D: 2700 km
NAL Saras mk 1: 1275 km

IMHO, If CSIR-NAL RTA 70 aircraft project takes off, it can be modified as our own Hawkeye.