India’s first indigenous civil aircraft, Hansa-3 (Next Gen), has been transferred for commercial manufacturing to a private industry partner. This milestone makes Hansa-3 (NG) the first Indian civil aircraft to be commercially produced under a technology transfer model.
About Hansa-3 (NG)
- Designed and developed by: National Aerospace Laboratories, Bengaluru – one of the units of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.
- This twin-seater pilot training plane will provide a cost-effective option to Flight Training Organisations (FTOs) that relies almost entirely on imported aircraft.
Aircraft Specifications
- Type: Twin-seater pilot training aircraft
- Powered by: Rotax Digital Control Engine
- Empty Weight: 550 kg
- Payload Capacity: Up to 200 kg
- Endurance: 7 hours
- Range: 620 nautical miles (with single pilot)
- Cruising Altitude: 8,000 feet
- Key Features: Fuel-efficient engines, glass cockpit, balloon canopy and electric flaps
- Cost: It will cost around ₹3 crore (less than imported equivalent of ₹6 crore)
Manufacturing and Industry Collaboration
- Industry Partner: Pioneer Clean Amps Pvt Ltd is expected to set up manufacturing facilities as well as handle marketing, servicing and after-sales,
- Planned Manufacturing Sites: Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh
- Initial Production: 36 aircraft/year
- Future Production Goal: 72 aircraft/year
Significance and Impact
- Provides a cost-effective solution to Flight Training Organisations (FTOs), which currently rely on imported aircraft.
- Aligns with ‘Make in India’ initiative, promoting indigenous aerospace capability.
- Ideal for use by flying clubs and reconnaissance operations.