India Initiates Project to Design Domestic Electric Training Aircraft, "E-Hansa," for Approximately INR 2 Crores
New Delhi: India has embarked on the development of the E-Hansa, a second-generation electric two-seater trainer aircraft, according to Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh. The indigenous aircraft, being developed by the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru, is anticipated to cost around Rs 2 crore—significantly less than imported alternatives [1][2][3].
Dr. Singh expressed pride in the indigenous development of the E-Hansa, which is part of the HANSA-3 Next Generation trainer aircraft program, aimed at providing a cost-effective and self-reliant solution for pilot training in India [4][5].
The minister emphasized that the E-Hansa aligns with India's green aviation initiatives by using clean energy, thereby contributing to reduced carbon emissions and sustainable aviation practices [2][3][5]. The aircraft's development also underscores India's quest for technological self-reliance in the aerospace sector, allowing the nation to reduce dependence on foreign imports [4][5].
During a high-level review meeting, Dr. Singh called for greater public-private partnerships (PPP) for the commercialization of indigenous technologies, directing the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) to emulate successful models for technology transfer and private sector engagement [6].
Dr. Singh also lauded ISRO for their achievements, including the successful SPADEX mission that showcases India's capabilities in docking and undocking, crucial for the country's upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight. Additionally, he commended ISRO's collaboration with various Union Ministries and State Governments on numerous upcoming missions [6].
Lastly, Dr. Singh shared updates on India's contribution to the Axiom Space Mission, which will involve Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's visit to the International Space Station (ISS) and the conduct of seven microgravity experiments to bolster India's space science profile [6].
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[1] Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) https://nal.res.in/[2] Indian Ministry of Science and Technology https://www.twb.gov.in/[3] HANSA-3 (Next Generation) trainer aircraft program https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1666094[4] ISRO https://www.isro.gov.in/[5] Gaganyaan Mission https://www.isro.gov.in/gaganyaan[6] National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) https://www.nrdcindia.com/
- The development of the E-Hansa, aligned with India's green aviation initiatives, also underscores the country's pursuit of technological self-reliance in the aerospace sector, mirroring the industry's advancements in finance, technology, and space.
- Dr. Singh, during a high-level review meeting, advocated for greater public-private partnerships (PPP) not only for the commercialization of indigenous technologies in the aerospace industry but also in finance and technology sectors, fostering self-reliance and reducing dependence on foreign imports.
