HANSA-3 (NG) — All You Need To Know About India’s Indigenously Developed Aircraft For Pilot Training

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology on Friday (4 April) formalised the Transfer of Technology (ToT) of CSIR’s indigenously designed and developed HANSA-3 (NG) trainer aircraft for commercial pilot licensing (CPL) at the National Media Centre in New Delhi.

The licensing of the HANSA-3 (NG) two-seater trainer aircraft has been granted to Pioneer Clean Amps Pvt. Ltd.

Speaking on the occasion, Singh lauded the efforts of CSIR scientists for the successful demonstration and commercialisation of the indigenous HANSA-3(NG).

He noted that the aircraft will fulfill the requirements of flying clubs in providing PPL (Private Pilot License) and CPL (Commercial Pilot License) training to the young generation.

Development and Certification of Hansa-3

The Hansa-3 aircraft was initially designed and developed by CSIR-NAL in the year 2000 as an all-composite, two-seat light trainer aircraft, aimed at fulfilling the growing demand for an advanced trainer at flying clubs across India.

Hansa-3 aircraft was certified by DGCA under FAR-23 via JAR-VLA in February 2000.

The aircraft has very good flying qualities, in particular, a docile low-speed behaviour, which makes it ideal for ab-initio flying training.

Hansa-3 Design and Features

The airframe of the Hansa-3 was developed using composite technology, with fiberglass and carbon composites providing numerous advantages such as enhanced corrosion resistance, damage tolerance, and reparability.

With features such as a well-designed cockpit with good visibility, dual controls for ease of operation, and a turbo-charged engine with a constant speed propeller, the Hansa-3 proved to be a reliable and cost-effective aircraft for trainer purposes.

Production and Usage

Between 2001 and 2010, CSIR-NAL built 14 production versions of the Hansa-3, of which 11 were delivered to the DGCA, one to IIT-Kanpur, and two remained with CSIR-NAL. These units logged a cumulative 4,000 flight hours.

User Feedback and the Development of Hansa-NG

However, as the needs of the flying community evolved, there was a growing demand for enhancements that would make the Hansa-3 more suited for PPL and CPL training.

Key upgrades requested included a transition from analogue to a fully digital glass cockpit system, easier operation with electrical flaps, and modifications to improve fuel capacity and the aircraft's overall ergonomics.

Based on this feedback, CSIR-NAL initiated the Hansa-NG development programme in 2018.

Launch of Hansa-NG

The Hansa-NG (Next Generation) aircraft, which incorporated all these improvements, was officially rolled out on 31 March 2021.

The new version of the aircraft was specifically designed to cater to the needs of flying clubs and training schools, with better flight visibility, reduced pilot workload, and longer operational range.

According to the CSIR, it received Letter of Intent (LoI) for about 65 aircrafts from seven flying clubs/flight training school.

In addition to its commercial training uses, the aircraft is also poised to contribute to the defence sector for cadet training and coastal surveillance missions.

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