The development of India's Hansa-NG (New Generation) trainer aircraft, a domestically designed and built light aircraft, has reached a critical stage.
Created by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), the Hansa-NG is the first Indian aircraft in its class (Certified Special Very Light Aircraft or CS-VLA) and is intended to transform flight training, sport flying, and recreational aviation in the country.
Recently, the project faced a challenge when Rotax, the manufacturer of the aircraft's engine, expressed concerns about supplying its engines. The hesitation stemmed from the potential for the engines to be used in military applications, such as in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or larger drones.
While this issue has been resolved for the present, it highlights the challenges of developing indigenous aerospace technology within a globalized supply chain.
The Hansa-NG is a two-seat aircraft with a low-wing design, created to address the increasing demand for flight trainers that are affordable, dependable, and adaptable. It is constructed entirely from composite materials, resulting in a lighter aircraft that is more fuel-efficient and requires less maintenance.
The aircraft is powered by a four-cylinder, four-stroke Rotax engine, which can use either AVGAS 100 LL or MOGAS EN 228 Super/Super Plus gasoline. This allows for flexibility, and potential cost savings. According to ASTM International, AVGAS 100LL is the most commonly used aviation gasoline.
CSIR-NAL successfully addressed the engine supply issue. Following discussions, which likely included guarantees of civilian use and adherence to international regulations, Rotax agreed to continue supplying engines, at least for the current stage of the project.
This ensures the continued development and testing of the Hansa-NG. However, the situation exposed a critical vulnerability: India's dependence on foreign suppliers for crucial aircraft components.
To reduce this vulnerability in the future, CSIR-NAL and other relevant organizations are considering the development of a domestically produced engine. Although this would involve substantial financial investment and a longer timeframe, potentially impacting the Hansa-NG's immediate availability, it would protect future aerospace projects from similar supply chain disruptions.
Collaborative efforts with private sector companies like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), or with the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), could expedite this process by utilizing their experience with jet engine technology.
The Hansa-NG is specifically designed for India's rapidly expanding aviation training sector, where the demand for pilots is increasing alongside the growth of commercial airlines. With more than 300 flying clubs and schools across India, the need for cost-effective and modern training aircraft is significant.
The aircraft's capability to operate on both MOGAS (regular automotive gasoline) and AVGAS can reduce fuel expenses by as much as 30% compared to aircraft that only use AVGAS, a considerable benefit for flight schools with limited budgets.
The Airports Authority of India has emphasized the growing need for trained pilots and improved aviation infrastructure to support the country's expanding aviation industry.
The aircraft is also quiter, therefore, making it more suited for use in areas with high population densities, where noise pollution is a major concern.
Besides its use in flight training, the Hansa-NG is also attractive to recreational and sport pilots, offering a balance of performance and ease of use.
Its certification for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations allows for advanced training, and the all-glass cockpit familiarizes pilots with the digital systems found in modern commercial aircraft.
With an estimated price of between ₹40-50 lakh (approximately $50,000-$60,000 USD), the Hansa-NG is significantly more affordable than its foreign counterparts, making it a potential export product for developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
