Made-in-India Saras ready for maiden flight

BANGALORE: The first indigenous passenger aircraft of the country — the multi-role light transport aircraft, Saras — is getting ready for its first flight at the Nilakantan wind tunnel centre of National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).
The project, sanctioned in September 1999 with financial support from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Technology Development Board (TDB), Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and the ministry of civil aviation, has made considerable progress in the last four years despite procurement problems due to the US sanctions.
The aircraft is now fully integrated and is undergoing a series of system checks to ensure functionality and safety.
A major milestone was achieved on December 4 when its engines were run up to full power and all the parameters monitored.
"After extensive checks on the power plant, electrical system and fuel system, the engine power was gradually built up over a period of 10 days to go full power. This is considered quite creditable," a top official told The Times of India.
A flight crew from the aircraft and system testing establishment of the IAF has been conducting these trials.