IAF shows intrest on Saras

Bangalore, Apr 28(UNI) The Indian Air Froce has shown keen interest on SARAS, country's first civilian aircraft, designed and developed by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).

NAL Director A R Upadhya told newsmen on the sidelines of a seminar on Aluminium in Aerospace that the second prototype of the 14 seater civilian aircraft took place today. The aircraft would be produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) here.

He said the IAF had shown interest after witnessing the performance of the SARAS. NAL was having discussions with HAL for production details and expressed confidence that by October a clear picture would emerge.

He said the second pro-type of the SARAS was fitted with high performance engine and its weight had also been reduced considerably.

He said that the target of reduction of weight was around 450 to 500 kg when compared to the first prototype. He said that the reduction of its weight was achieved after fine-tuning SARAS's structural design, increased use of composites and optimisation of margins, electrical looming and other related things.

Earlier in his inagural address to the seminar he said the revolutionery metal Aluminium would continue to play a major role in Aerospace industries in future also.

He said that the the design thrust for current Aerospace vehicles was on increasing the life-cycle of aircraft, reduction of acquisition, maintainance and operation costs without compramising the performance.

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