The NAL Saras Mk2 is a multi-purpose civilian aircraft in the light transport aircraft category designed by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in India . It is intended to improve regional air connectivity and serve various other applications .
Key Aspects of the Saras Mk2 Plan:
- Design and Development:
- The Saras Mk2 is a twin-engine turboprop 19-seater transport aircraft .
- It is designed to connect small cities and improve regional travel .
- The aircraft is being developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) .
- Dassault Systèmes is providing solutions for cabin design, 2D/3D modeling, prototyping, and laser cutting .
- Upgrades and Improvements:
- The Mk2 version includes redesigned wings for improved aerodynamics .
- It features a repositioned engine to enhance performance and safety .
- The aircraft incorporates improved avionics, radar, linear wing flap actuator, environmental control system, engine flap actuators, and flight control system .
- It is equipped with a complete glass avionics suite .
- The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67A turboprop engines, each producing 1,200 hp .
- Manufacturing:
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will manufacture the Saras at its Kanpur facility .
- Testing and Certification:
- NAL has completed basic testing for pre-production standards .
- The first test flight of the Saras Mk2 is expected in December 2027 .
- NAL aims to secure airworthiness certification through rigorous flight testing .
- Market and Orders:
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) has expressed interest in acquiring at least 15 units .
- Initial order of 15 aircraft by IAF may go up to 120–140 in upcoming years .
- NAL is targeting a unit cost of ₹50 crore for Saras Mk2, compared to ₹55 crore for the Dornier 228 .
- NAL aims for the government to purchase 50-60 units to make manufacturing viable .
- Air Ambulance Variant:
- NAL unveiled a 16-seater air ambulance variant of Saras Mk2 at Wings India 2022 .
- International Critical Care Air Transfer Team (ICATT) from Bengaluru signed a letter of intent to purchase 2 units .
- Technical Specifications (Saras Mk2):
- Crew: 3 (Pilot, Co-Pilot, Flight Engineer)
- Capacity: 19 passengers / 1,710 kg
- Length: 17.3 m
- Wingspan: 18 m
- Height: 5.5 m
- Empty weight: 5,100 kg
- Max takeoff weight: 7,600 kg
- Maximum speed: 550 km/h at FL250
- Cruise speed: 485 km/h
- Range: 2,350 km with 45 min reserves and 8 passengers
The Saras Mk2 program aims to provide a cost-effective and versatile aircraft for regional connectivity and other applications, with the first test flight planned for late 2027 .
