Aircraft

DATE:13/02/07
SOURCE:Flight International
Bangalore air show: NAL slims down Saras

India's National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) hopes to fly the second prototype of its much-delayed Saras 14-seat twin-pusher utility aircraft by mid-March, as it battles to reduce the aircraft's weight.

The second aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 7,100kg (15,650lb) - 1,000kg higher than the first - but has an empty weight about 500kg lower, according to NAL Centre for Civil Aircraft Design and Development programme director Dr K Yegna Narayan. It is equipped with 1,200shp (731kW) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67A turboprops, which replace the original aircraft's 850shp -66s.

The first aircraft has accumulated "close to 100 sorties", says Narayan. However its structural design was "over-conservative", he says, and for the second aircraft weight has been taken out of all components. "Now that structural testing is complete we know what the margins are," he adds.

 
© Vladimir Karnozov   
The manufacturer is trying to reduce weight on the much-delayed 14-seater





Rate this article
12345
Poor   Outstanding
Average rating: This article has not been rated.

Click here to check out the highest rated articles
 

For exclusive news and expert analysis every week subscribe to Flight International print edition. Included with your subscription are 4 FREE issues and FREE delivery to your home or office.


FREE Online Marketing Training

Learn how to reach new customers through online advertising and email marketing, drive traffic through SEO and generate new leads online with Flightglobal's 'What Works Online' webinar series

Don’t miss you opportunity to be trained by the experts

Huge discount when you post-a-job online!

Flightglobal Jobs

Advertise your jobs on Flightglobal Jobs for just £499 - usually £750! For more information visit our 'For Recruiters' section.