Is India Set to Unveil an Electric 2-Seater Trainer Aircraft for Just Rs 2 Crore?

Synopsis
India is on the verge of launching the <b>electric Hansa</b> (E-Hansa), a two-seater trainer aircraft that will cost approximately <b>Rs 2 crore</b>. This development marks a significant step towards indigenous aviation technology and green energy in India. Discover how this initiative aligns with India's broader objectives of advancing in aviation and technology.
Key Takeaways
- E-Hansa is a two-seater electric trainer aircraft.
- Expected cost is Rs 2 crore.
- Developed by CSIR NAL in Bengaluru.
- Part of the HANSA-3 (NG) program for pilot training.
- Focus on green aviation and sustainable energy.
New Delhi, May 27 (NationPress) India has embarked on a journey to create the electric Hansa (E-Hansa), a cutting-edge two-seater electric trainer aircraft, as announced by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday.
The E-Hansa, which is being developed locally, is projected to come at a cost of approximately Rs 2 crore, which is remarkably lower than the prices of imported options.
Dr. Singh expressed pride in the fact that this innovative aircraft is being developed by the CSIR National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru.
This initiative is part of the broader HANSA-3 (NG) trainer aircraft program, aimed at providing a cost-efficient and indigenous solution for pilot training within India.
The E-Hansa will play a crucial role in furthering India’s green aviation objectives and the adoption of sustainable energy sources for aviation, as highlighted by the minister during a high-level review meeting with science department officials.
The meeting also concentrated on evaluating performance metrics, the status of previous decisions, and outlining transformative strategies for India's science and technology landscape.
Dr. Singh emphasized the necessity for commercializing local technologies and encouraged enhanced public-private partnerships (PPP). He instructed the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) to adopt successful frameworks like DBT-BIRAC and IN-SPACe for facilitating technology transfer and engaging the private sector.
He reinforced the importance of standardized technology transfer protocols, improving the business environment, and fostering Indian R&D under the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.
Commending ISRO for its successful SPADEX mission, he remarked on the significance of the docking and undocking capabilities tested, which are vital for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight.
He also praised ISRO’s substantial contributions to Operation Sindoor, stating, “Every Indian is proud of you.” Dr. Singh revealed that ISRO is currently collaborating with 40 Union Ministries and 28 State Governments, with several upcoming missions on the agenda.
In relation to India's involvement in the Axiom Space Mission, Dr. Singh shared that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey to the International Space Station (ISS) will include seven microgravity experiments, further enhancing India’s reputation in space science.