Hansa-3 NG: Indigenous Trainer Aircraft

GS3 – Science & Technology – Defense Sector

In a significant milestone, CSIR–NAL (National Aerospace Laboratories) has signed its first aircraft technology transfer agreement with a private firm to manufacture Hansa-3 NG, India’s first indigenously developed trainer aircraft designed for commercial pilot instruction.

Overview of Hansa-3 NG

Hansa-3 NG is a next-generation, two-seater light trainer aircraft featuring a low-wing, all-composite design, developed entirely by CSIR–NAL. The aircraft is nearly 50% more affordable than imported alternatives, such as the Cessna 152 and 172, making it highly cost-effective for training institutions.

Primary Usage:

• Designed specifically for initial flight training (ab-initio) in flying schools.
• Also tailored for defence training modules, NCC cadet instruction, and coastal patrolling.
• An electric variant, named E-HANSA, is currently under development to promote environment-friendly aviation solutions.

Key Technical Features

• Engine: Fitted with the Rotax 912 iSc3 Sport, a digitally controlled, fuel-efficient engine.
• Control Systems: Equipped with electrically operated flaps to enhance operational ease.
• Airframe: Constructed using carbon fiber and fiberglass composites, ensuring strength while reducing weight.
• Avionics: Features a digital glass cockpit, offering enhanced situational awareness and modern navigation capabilities.

Rationale Behind Development

• Aimed at reducing India’s dependency on expensive, foreign-manufactured trainer aircraft.
• Addresses the critical shortage of training aircraft required for issuing Private Pilot Licences (PPL) and Commercial Pilot Licences (CPL).
• Enables the decentralisation of pilot training, lowering the cost and increasing access to aspiring aviators across regions.
• Responds to the skyrocketing demand for pilots, in light of India’s rapidly expanding aviation industry.

Current and Future Demand Landscape

• India holds the third-largest aviation market globally, with expectations of requiring nearly 30,000 new pilots over the next 15 to 20 years.
• To operate each aircraft:
  • Narrow-body jets need around 15–20 trained pilots.
  • Wide-body aircraft require 25–30 trained pilots.
• This translates into a requirement of over 750 trainer aircraft to bridge the upcoming training demand-supply gap.

About CSIR–NAL

• CSIR–NAL, located in Bengaluru, is the only civilian aerospace R&D institute in India functioning under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
• Founded in 1959 and later renamed from the National Aeronautical Research Laboratory in 1993, the lab is governed by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
• Its work supports both national aerospace initiatives and partnerships with the private sector.

Core Focus Areas:

• Design and testing of indigenous aircraft
• Development of aerospace technologies and simulation systems
• Strengthening the foundation of India’s self-reliant aviation ecosystem