HAL developing new commercial aircraft suitable for regional operatopns
17 Dec 2021
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Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has developed a commercial aircraft, Hindustan-228, which is an advanced version of its Do-228 aircraft that is already deployed under the regional connectivity scheme, Udan. Hindustan-228 aircraft is being certified to the latest international airworthiness standards with modern avionics system and will be suitable for operations under UDAN scheme.
HAL has entered into an agreement with Alliance Air for dry leasing of its two Do-228 aircrafts for deployment in the North Eastern Region.
The project is funded by HAL. The total funds sanctioned and released by HAL for this project is Rs72.33 crore for the prototype manufacturing and type certification from DGCA. Additionally, HAL has sanctioned Rs266.85 crore for the manufacture of six more aircraft.
HAL has already carried out a successful ground run and Low Speed Taxi Trials (LSTT) of a prototype Hindustan-228 aircraft, a potential commercial aircraft after Type Certification by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
HAL Kanpur carried out the first engine ground run of Hindustan-228 aircraft on 27 May 2021 in co-ordination with DGCA team. Further, ground runs were also carried out for testing of various systems. Subsequently, the LSTT was carried out in co-ordination with DGCA team on 15 August 2021 and the required test parameters were met.
Minister of state for defence Ajay Bhatt gave this information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Monday.
