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The state-run National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) has entered into an agreement with private sector firm Kadet Defence Systems to convert the Hansa trainer aircraft into an optional unmanned vehicle. Hansa is a lightweight trainer-cum-general purpose aircraft developed indigenously by NAL. The agreement also entails joint development of a new tactical drone.
NAL had developed the Hansa trainer aircraft fabricated entirely out of composite materials and it is used for ab-initio training and surveillance besides other tasks. The Hansa aircraft programme was launched in the late 90s and involved the indigenous design, development, fabrication and tests of an all-composite 2-seat aircraft which could replace the ageing trainers.
However, it is felt that the current move by state-run NAL to convert the Hansa trainer aircraft into a UAV may not be an intelligent idea. Certain Defence analysts have remarked that the Hansa aircraft was designed around a pilot considering its cockpit, canopy, controls, seats and instrument panel. Technically, a drone or UAV requires a compact design solution in order to maximize its potential and operate on the best of its abilities.
Besides, NAL has already been under criticism for delays in various projects. NAL is yet to finish the 14-seater Saras aircraft project and is also undertaking the Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) simultaneously. Hence, taking up a new project for a UAV which other state-run agencies like HAL and DRDO are already undertaking, it seems pointless to develop a new UAV on a trainer aircraft like Hansa.
NAL has also been criticized by CAG earlier for poorly planned projects as well as mismanagement leading to time and cost overruns. CAG has earlier noted that the two-seater Hansa aircraft was being manufactured with imported components as NAL was yet to develop the sub-systems indigenously.
State-Run NAL Ties Up With Pvt Firm to Convert
NAL had developed the Hansa trainer aircraft fabricated entirely out of composite materials and it is used for ab-initio training and surveillance besides other tasks. The Hansa aircraft programme was launched in the late 90s and involved the indigenous design, development, fabrication and tests of an all-composite 2-seat aircraft which could replace the ageing trainers.
However, it is felt that the current move by state-run NAL to convert the Hansa trainer aircraft into a UAV may not be an intelligent idea. Certain Defence analysts have remarked that the Hansa aircraft was designed around a pilot considering its cockpit, canopy, controls, seats and instrument panel. Technically, a drone or UAV requires a compact design solution in order to maximize its potential and operate on the best of its abilities.
Besides, NAL has already been under criticism for delays in various projects. NAL is yet to finish the 14-seater Saras aircraft project and is also undertaking the Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) simultaneously. Hence, taking up a new project for a UAV which other state-run agencies like HAL and DRDO are already undertaking, it seems pointless to develop a new UAV on a trainer aircraft like Hansa.
NAL has also been criticized by CAG earlier for poorly planned projects as well as mismanagement leading to time and cost overruns. CAG has earlier noted that the two-seater Hansa aircraft was being manufactured with imported components as NAL was yet to develop the sub-systems indigenously.
State-Run NAL Ties Up With Pvt Firm to Convert
