Saras | |
---|---|
General information | |
Type | Business jet / Military transport aircraft |
National origin | India |
Manufacturer | Hindustan Aeronautics Limited |
Designer | National Aerospace Laboratories Council of Scientific and Industrial Research |
Status | In production (Mk1)[1][2] |
Primary users | Indian Air Force (intended) Indian Army (intended) |
Number built | 2 prototypes |
History | |
First flight | Mk1 - 29 May 2004 Mk2 (~2025, planned)[3] |
The NAL Saras (Sanskrit: "Crane") is the first Indian multi-purpose civilian aircraft in the light transport aircraft category as designed by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).
In January 2016, it was reported that the project had been cancelled.[1] But in February 2017, the project was revived.[4] In February 2019, India's Ministry of Finance approved ₹6,000 crore (US$720 million) for the production of the airliner.[2]