— Photo: Special Arrangement

A SUCCESS: The second prototype of Saras, Indias first indigenously designed civilian aircraft makes its maiden flight in Bangalore on Wednesday.

Bangalore: The second prototype of Saras, India's first commercial civilian aircraft, had a successful 40-minute maiden flight here on Wednesday, climbing to an altitude of 9,000 feet.

Designed and developed here by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), a constituent of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, the eight to 14-seater light transport aircraft, Saras Prototype two (PT2), follows Prototype one (PT1), which flew in May 2004.

Piloted by Wing Commanders R.S. Makker and A. Malik, with Wing Commander M.S. Ramamohan as the flight-test engineer, PT2 had an almost flawless flight, attaining a maximum speed of just under 150 knots. Executing several mild manoeuvres to get a feel of the aircraft's handling qualities, the pilots reported "no surprises."

"Estimates met"

Describing the maiden flight as "fine," the head of NAL's Centre for Civil Aircraft Design and Development, K. Yegnanarayan, told The Hindu that the next few flights of PT2 would enable scientists and designers to obtain qualitative data on its performance. "We have realised whatever parameters we set out for; our estimates have been met." PT2's next flight is expected on Friday.

The chief difference between PT2 and PT1 is the incorporation of two turboprop (rear facing propellers) Pratt and Whitney PT 6A-67A engines of 1200 hp each and propellers of a larger diameter. PT1 had two PT 6A-66 engines of 850 hp each.

"This has been done to meet the stringent climb gradient requirements under one engine failure condition as stipulated by the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR-25) of the United States, which is the certification standard for Saras. The supporting stubwing structure and the engine nacelle were also modified to suit the new engine. Improvements have also been incorporated in the flight control system, the flap operating system, avionics and the electrical system," Dr. Yegnanarayan said.

While PT2 is much closer to the final production standard, NAL has begun a weight optimisation programme "through optimisation of metallic structures, stringent fabrication control and increased use of composites."

While the maiden flight of PT2 has to be applauded, NAL scientists agreed that much work still remained before it could become a marketing or even an aviation success. It is, for example, yet to be decided who will manufacture the Saras, at what cost and in what timeframe. And though the Indian Air Force (IAF) is expected to be the launch customer, using the aircraft for training and other roles, it is yet to send in a letter of intent.

NAL is expected to demonstrate the performance of PT2 to the IAF by simulating the all up weight of 7,100 kg.

NAL hopes to pitch Saras as a feeder aircraft, light cargo aircraft and an air ambulance.

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