Saras set to fly again

After being in an indeterminate state for five years, India’s first multi-role light transport aircraft programme is once again on track as a new prototype of the Saras aircraft and is set to fly soon."

The Saras programme to develop a 14-seater aircraft overseen by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) suffered a major setback following the crash of an aircraft prototype in the outskirts of Bangalore, resulting in the death of three Indian Air Force (IAF) officers who were onboard the ill-fated aircraft.

“We are going to have the first flight of the Saras (PT-N) soon and preparations are on for it,” said an NAL official. The maiden flight of the aircraft will be conducted by the IAF’s Aircraft Systems and Testing Establishment (ASTE).

NAL has so far developed two prototypes of the Saras aircraft—PT1 and PT2. It was the PT2 that crashed in 2009. Following the PT2 crash due to an incorrect relight procedure, the Saras programme was written off, with many questioning the need for India developing such an aircraft.

However, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)—to which NAL is an affiliated laboratory—went ahead with the project and that apart the father of one of the IAF Officers who was killed in the crash had also asked the government not to give up the project, stating that completion of the project would be a fitting tribute to his son.

Meanwhile, NAL as part of Saras programme recovery plan has converted the Saras PT1 to Saras PT-N and this aircraft corresponds to the Saras PT2. This modified prototype is equipped with the Canadian Pratt & Whitney PT6-67A engine.

That apart, it also has a new engine stub wing and nacelle, landing gear actuators, and some improvement have been made to the flight control and flap systems.  

Along with the PT-N, NAL is also currently developing the PT3 which is christened as the ‘production standard Saras aircraft’. This aircraft which will weigh 500 kg lesser than its predecessors and is expected to be flight tested by the end of the year.

The IAF has placed an order for 15 Saras aircraft, which will be manufactured by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The postal department has also expressed interest in procuring the aircraft to deliver mails.