HAL launches 19-seater civilian aircraft, plans to deploy it under UDAN scheme

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has launched a new 19-seater civilian aircraft.  aircraft developed by Indian state-owned aerospace and defence company HAL can even take off from semi-prepared airstrips. special small aircraft will be known as Hindustan 228 and state-owned company is eyeing to deploy this under UDAN scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik).   

General Manager of HAL Apurba Roy talked about huge potential for such aircraft in Indian market. She furr said that se kinds of aircraft can be used as an ambulance, cargo and or things. Talking about small compact design of aircraft, Apurba revealed that design has been transferred by  Dornier GmbH.

Apurba Roy said, "re is a huge potential for se kinds of aircraft in market. re are few aircraft in India and across world that are designed for short-haul travel and can operate on a semi-prepared runway."

Due to small design of aircraft, HAL has not ded facility of a toilet in Hindustan 228. Though company representative said a toilet can be ded to aircraft, however, number of seats will be furr reduced from 19 to 17. It is pertinent to note that engine of this small compact Hindyustan 228 has not been developed in India. 

Earlier this month, a ground-breaking ceremony was held in Goa for a new facility of Helicopter Engines MRO Pvt Limited (HE-MRO), a joint venture of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Safran. facility, located in Sattari, 40km from Panaji, will be operational by end of 2023, HAL said.

Udan Scheme

Udan regional connection initiative was created by civil aviation ministry in 2016. Udan plan has brought over 400 routes and 66 airports into operation.

Currently, 50-70 seater ATR, Bombardier, or Embraer aircraft fly Udan routes; however, new policy will accommodate small aircraft with 19 seats or less, as well as seaplanes and helicopters.

general manager of HAL, Apurba Roy furr revealed interest of states and private companies as y want to make this aircraft deployable in Udan scheme. He said, "re is a lot of interest shown from state governments as well as private parties to make it deployable in Udaan scheme."

Input: ANI