NAL Hansa

The NAL Hansa (Sanskrit: Swan) is an Indian all-composite low wing tricycle gear two-seater general aviation monoplane for flight training as well as personal flying.[1] An upgraded version of aircraft dubbed as Hansa-"NG" was flown later in September 2021 and expects certification in following 4 months to be acquired by various flying clubs.

Hansa
Role Light trainer
National origin India
Manufacturer Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Limited (formerly)
National Aerospace Laboratories
Designer Council for Scientific and Industrial Research/National Aerospace Laboratories
First flight 23 November 1993 (Hansa)
3 September 2021 (Hansa-NG)
Produced 2021-present (Hansa-NG)
Number built 16 (+1 NG)

Design and development

The Hansa (Sanskrit: हंस (swan)) was designed by the National Aerospace Laboratories of India under the NAL-Light Aircraft Project.[2] Three designs were produced and the second-design (Hansa-2) was built as a prototype which first flew on 23 November 1993.[2] The second prototype was based on the third design (Hansa-3) and this was the design selected for production.[2] A pre-production aircraft was also built.[2]

The Hansa received a provisional type certificate from the DGCA in December 1998 and a full certificate in December 1998.[2]

An upgraded version dubbed as "Hansa-NG" was test flown on 3 September 2021 expecting certification from DGCA in early 2022. The aircraft as a glass cockpit, digitally controlled Rotax 912 ISC engine, electrically operated flaps and long endurance.[3]

The production of Hansa-NG will start in 2022-23.[4]

Operational history

The production variant was built by Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Limited with the first flight on 14 May 1999. Sixteen production aircraft have been built and delivered to various flying clubs, with NAL maintaining three.[2]

NAL further has revived 72 intent letters from various flying clubs for Hansa-NG.[3]

Variants
Hansa-2
Prototype as originally flown
Hansa-2RE
The prototype was re-engined and the span increased, first flown 26 January 1996.
Hansa-3
Production version of the 2RE.
Hansa-S
Originally known as the Hansa-4 it has a more powerful diesel engine (230 hp).[5][6]
Hansa UAV
Unmanned trainer aircraft
Hansa-NG
Hansa "Next Generation", the more advanced version with better aerodynamics, manufacturing methods and avionics, in development. The aircraft has a glass cockpit, a fuel injected engine and uses electrically operated flaps.[7][8][3] Aircraft powered by Rotax 912iSc Engine with Digital display through CANAerospace protocol. Maiden flight was on 3rd September 2021. Flight Testing is on progress. Also glass cockpit system includes dual Aspen EFD1000pro, GPS integrated NAVCOM system and secondary COM system.

Specifications (HANSA-3)

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004.[9]

General characteristics

  • Crew: two, pilot and instructor
  • Length: 7.66 m (25 ft 1.5 in)
  • Wingspan: 10.47 m (34 ft 4.25 in)
  • Height: 2.61 m (8 ft 7 in)
  • Wing area: 12.47 m2 (134.2 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 8.8:1
  • Empty weight: 545 kg (1,202 lb) [10]
  • Gross weight: 750 kg (1,653 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 914 F3 , 85 kW (113 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 231.5 km/h (143.85 mph, 125.00 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 213 km/h (132 mph, 115 kn)
  • Range: 842 km (523 mi, 454 nmi)
  • Endurance: 4 hours
  • Service ceiling: 3,048 m (10,000 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 3.3 m/s (650 ft/min)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References
  1. "Information Pasteboard, NAL, Bangalore, India". www.nal.res.in. Archived from the original on 7 January 2007.
  2. A soaring success[Usurped!]
  3. Kadilal, Akhil (3 September 2021). "NAL's Hansa-NG aircraft takes to skies in maiden flight". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
  4. "NAL plans design, development of 70-seater aircraft". The Economic Times. 16 September 2019. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
  5. SMA SR305 to power the NAL Hansa 4
  6. "Official website - SMAengines". Archived from the original on 28 December 2008. Retrieved 25 December 2008.
  7. "HANSA-NG - CSIR - NAL". nal.res.in. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
  8. Essential Guide to Aircraft Composites
  9. Jackson 2003, p. 192.
  10. Equipped for night operations
  • Jackson, Paul. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Information Group, 2003. ISBN 0-7106-2537-5.
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