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Centre clears first multi-role transport aircraft

The Union government today cleared a project to manufacture the first indigenous civilian light transport aircraft by the National Aerospace Laboratories at an investment of Rs 1310.38 million.

The project for the multi-role light transport aircraft was cleared by the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs which was presided by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The NAL has been working on this project for several years and has already invested around Rs 140.5 million for the research and design of the 14-seater aircraft. The aircraft can be pressed into service in the inaccessible terrain of north east India.

An official spokesperson told newsmen that different government institutions will be funding the project including the budgetary support of Rs 420.58 million by the ministry of civil aviation and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.

The Technological Development Board has agreed to provide a loan of Rs 650.30 million while the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will invest Rs 90 million.

The aircraft will have various features including all weather, day and night flying capability, operability from semi-prepared runways etc.

The aircraft can also be used for services like aerial ambulance, disaster relief and security operations such as coast guard surveillance, the spokesperson said.

UNI

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