India’s National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has revived development of its Saras multirole light transport aircraft more than seven years after the 2009 crash of the second prototype of the twin turboprop. The state-backed company is seeking military certification first, before applying for a civil type certificate, in the hope that this might result in a smoother process for the long-delayed program.
Initially, NAL sees Saras filling roles such as air-taxi services that could form a part of India’s new regional connectivity scheme, and in this capacity it would likely be equipped to carry 19 passengers. The aircraft is powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67A engines.
“The Saras is at an advanced state of production,” Harsh Vardhan, India’s minister for science and technology, told the press at last week’s Aero India show. “Ground testing has already been done and in the next one-and-a-half months the new prototype will begin the official flight tests. Initially, some 25 flights have been planned.” NAL is investing approximately $60 million in two prototypes.
During the Aero India show, U.S.-based Astronautics signed an agreement with NAL to work on the electronic flight information system for the Saras. The system will consist of a quartet of six- by eight-inch full-color displays.
Meanwhile, NAL also is looking to revive other civil projects including the five-seat CNM-5 piston single along with Mahindra Aerospace and the Hansa all-composite two seat trainer. In theory, the agency also still intends to develop a 70-seat regional jet designated the RTA-70, although the status of this program seems uncertain.
