Question : AIRCRAFTS DEVELOPED BY NAL

(a) whether the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) plans to develop 90-seator civilian aircraft in the country;

(b) If so, the details thereof along with the aims and objectives of such project;

(c) the funds earmarked for this purpose and the modalities adopted to fund the project;

(d) Whether the Hansa-3 ab trainer developed by NAL has made its test flight;

(e) If so, whether the certificate from Civil Aviation Safety Authorities of India has been obtained for the trainer aircraft; and

(f) If not, the time by which the certificate is likely to be obtained?

MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES (KAPIL SIBAL)

(a), (b)&(c): Yes Madam. A feasibility study with a total cost of Rs. 49.56 crore with a duration of one year for development of a National Civil Aircraft for regional connectivity is being conducted. The allocation has been made from CSIR plan funds. It involves creation of configuration definition; undertaking market survey; developing a joint venture and full scale engineering development. A High Powered Committee (HPC) has been constituted which would look into the associated matters based on feasibility inputs.

(d)&(e): Yes Madam. HANSA-3 is an ab initio 2 seater trainer aircraft developed by CSIR-NAL which has been flight tested and certified. It is certified by Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in February, 2000.

(f) : Does not arise.