HAL tests Hindustan-228 aircraft

The public sector undertaking of the Defence Ministry, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has successfully carried ground tests for making a civilian aircraft named ‘Hindustan-228’.

Key Points

Ground run and low speed taxi trials (LSTT) of the Hindustan-228 aircraft was carried out at HAL facility at Kanpur.

About Hindustan-228

It is a 19-seat multirole utility aircraft. It has been built on the basis of existing frame of military plane Dornier 228. This civil version will be used for various applications like air ambulance, VIP transport, passenger transport, cloud seeding, flight inspection roles and recreational activities such as para jumping, photography, aerial surveillance and cargo applications.

Aim of the aircraft

Hindustan-228 aircraft has been built with the aim of supporting the regional connectivity scheme- UDAN. It will be utilised by civil operators and state Governments for their intra and inter-state connectivity by providing support towards training, maintenance and logistics.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

HAL is a state-owned aerospace and defence company, having its headquarter in headquartered in Bangalore. It was established on December 23, 1940. It is the oldest and largest aerospace and defence manufacturers across the world. It started manufacturing aircraft in 1942 with licensed production of aircrafts like Curtiss P-36 Hawk, Harlow PC-5, and Vultee A-31 Vengeance. HAL is currently having 11 dedicated Research and development (R&D) centres along with 21 manufacturing divisions.

Who manages HAL?

HAL is managed by a Board of Directors who are appointed by the President of India. They are appointed through the Ministry of Defence.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2021