NAL Hansa

{{Short description|Indian monoplane}} {{Use Indian English|date=September 2021}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}} {{Infobox aircraft |name = Hansa |image = File:NAL Hansa NG at Aero India 2023.jpg |caption = |type = Light trainer |manufacturer = Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Limited (formerly) <br />National Aerospace Laboratories |national_origin= India |designer = Council for Scientific and Industrial Research<br>National Aerospace Laboratories |first_flight = 23 November 1993 (Hansa) <br /> 3 September 2021 (Hansa-NG) |introduction =  |retired =  |status =  |primary_user =  |more_users =  |produced = 2021-present (Hansa-NG) |number_built = 16 (+1 NG) |unit cost = |developed_from =  |variants =  }}

The '''NAL Hansa''' (Sanskrit: ''Swan'') is an Indian all-composite low wing tricycle gear two-seater general aviation monoplane. It is the first indigenously produced composite aircraft in India.

Development of the Hansa commenced under a partnership between Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Ltd. (TAAL) and the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in the late 1980s to produce a clean-sheet aircraft suitable for general aviation purposes. On 23 November 1993, the first prototype made its maiden flight. During December 1998, the Hansa received a provisional type certificate from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). By 2004, the type had reportedly flown a cumulative 2,000 flight hours without incident and sixteen production-standard aircraft had been completed. The Hansa has been marketed to various sectors, including flight training, coastal surveillance, and private owner-pilots. Multiple specialised variants, including unmanned models, have also been worked on.

During the late 2010s, it was announced that work was underway to produce an upgraded model of the aircraft, referred to as ''Hansa-"NG"''. Enhancements include a glass cockpit, digitally-controlled Rotax 912 ISC engine, electrically operated flaps, and greater endurance. In September 2021, the Hansa-NG performed its first flight; NAL is reportedly evaluating multiple commercial partners to produce the improved aircraft in response to interest from various customers, the majority of which are said to be numerous Indian flying clubs.

==Design and development== ===Origins=== [[File:NAL Hansa III, Private JP7498514.jpg|thumb|NAL Hansa side view at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bangalore, India ]] [[File:VT-HOC (13968705966).jpg|thumb|NAL Hansa at 2007 Aero India airshow ]] thumb|NAL Hansa front view By the late 1980s, it was recognised that the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) of India would benefit from greater experience in designing aircraft.<ref name="hindunet"/> Up to this point, the institution had largely confined its activities to undertaking various research programmes, such as the then-emerging use of composite materials in aerospace applications. However, Indian officials were keen to pursue the design and construction of a completely new aircraft design that would incorporate composite materials, and thus NAL formed a partnership with Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Ltd. (TAAL) to develop what was initially referred to as the ''NAL-Light Aircraft Project'' (NALLA).<ref name = "hansa3 firstflight"/> During 1991, work on the programme was authorised to proceed.<ref name="hindunet">{{cite magazine |url = http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2113/stories/20040702002408900.htm |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071013162713/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2113/stories/20040702002408900.htm |archive-date = 13 October 2007 |url-status = dead |title = A soaring success |author = R. Ramachandran |volume = 21 |issue = 13 |date = 19 June 2004 |magazine = Frontline}}</ref><ref name = "hansa3 firstflight">{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/hansa-3-trainer-flies-for-the-first-time/21098.article |title = Hansa-3 trainer flies for the first time |publisher = flightglobal.com |date = 20 May 1998}}</ref>

A total of three designs for an all-composite twin-seat aircraft were produced; the first of these, referred to as ''Hansa-1'', adopted a pusher configuration, however, wind tunnel testing of a 1:5 scale model revealed severe problems with the design and therefore work on it was discontinued.<ref name="hindunet"/> In its place, the second design, ''Hansa-2'', was selected for to proceed with prototyping. On 23 November 1993, the first prototype performed its maiden flight.<ref name="hindunet" /> On 11 May 1998, a second prototype, based on the ''Hansa-3'' design, joined the flight test programme; it featured various refinements, including the use of a variable-pitch propeller instead of a fixed counterpart, and a more powerful Rotax 914-F3 powerplant.<ref name = "hansa3 firstflight"/> The latter design was found to be superior and thus was selected for production.<ref name="hindunet" /> The programme has been credited with developing NAL's expertise in complex Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for aerodynamic analysis and numerical simulations for aircraft design.<ref name="hindunet" />

===Production arrangements and further development=== Manufacturing and marketing of the Hansa is undertaken by TAAL, activities for the former role being centered at the company's Bangalore facility.<ref name="hindunet" /><ref name = "hansa3 firstflight"/> NAL is responsible for design and technology aspects of the programme.<ref name = "hansa3 firstflight"/> Prior to quantity production proceeding, a single pre-production aircraft was produced. During December 1998, the Hansa received a provisional type certificate from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).<ref name="hindunet" /> By this point, the Hansa was being promoted as India's first indigenously produced composite aircraft and reportedly cost roughly $90,000 to produce.<ref name = "hansa3 firstflight"/> In February 2000, final type certification was received, clearing the type for both day and nighttime operations.<ref name="hindunet" />

During March 2018, NAL was authorised by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to proceed with the development of an upgraded version of the Hansa.<ref name = "bang auth2018">{{cite web |url = https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/nal-gets-approval-for-new-next-gen-trainer-aircraft/articleshow/63372192.cms |title = NAL gets approval for new 'Next-Gen' trainer aircraft Bangal |publisher = bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com |date = 20 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/nal-mesco-pact-for-2-seater-hansa-light-aircraft-production/articleshow/65724055.cms |title = NAL-Mesco pact for 2-seater Hansa light aircraft production |publisher = economictimes.indiatimes.com |date = 7 September 2018}}</ref> It is to be marketed towards cadet training, coastal surveillance, and private fliers.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.nal.res.in/oldhome/pages/ipmay99.htm |title = Information Pasteboard, NAL, Bangalore, India |website = www.nal.res.in |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070107221339/http://www.nal.res.in/oldhome/pages/ipmay99.htm |archive-date = 7 January 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/india-to-manufacture-two-seater-aircraft-first-flight-expected-by-2019/story-rxN89F8JPer6UReEDZIj3J.html |title = India to manufacture two-seater aircraft, first flight expected by 2019 |publisher = hindustantimes.com |date = 7 September 2018}}</ref> In September 2019, it was reported that the aircraft, referred to as the ''Hansa-NG'', was scheduled to commence sometime between 2022 and 2023.<ref name = "ET 2019">{{Cite news |title = NAL plans design, development of 70-seater aircraft |url = https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/nal-plans-design-development-of-70-seater-aircraft/articleshow/71153821.cms |date = 16 September 2019 |access-date = 24 September 2019 |newspaper = The Economic Times}}</ref>

On 3 September 2021, the prototype Hansa-NG performed its maiden flight. This aircraft featured various improvements and changes, including the addition of a glass cockpit, digitally-controlled Rotax 912 ISC engine, electrically operated flaps, and greater endurance.<ref name="DH21">{{Cite news |last = Kadilal |first = Akhil |date = 3 September 2021 |title = NAL's Hansa-NG aircraft takes to skies in maiden flight |url = https://www.deccanherald.com/national/nals-hansa-ng-aircraft-takes-to-skies-in-maiden-flight-1026687.html |newspaper = Deccan Herald |access-date = 4 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/nal-hansa-ng-aircraft-in-flight-engine-relight-test-7923598/ |title = NAL's 'HANSA-NG' aircraft completes in-flight engine relight test |publisher = indianexpress.com |date = 18 May 2022}}</ref> By August 2023, NAL was reportedly in the process of selecting a new partner with which to produce the Hansa-NG.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/nal-finalising-production-partner-for-hansa-ng-trainer-aircraft/article67172392.ece |title = NAL finalising production partner for HANSA-NG trainer aircraft |publisher = The Hindu |date = 8 August 2023}}</ref>

On 4 April 2025, NAL and Pioneer Clean AMPS Pvt Ltd on Friday entered into a technology license agreement for the production and after-sales support of Hansa-3 (NG).<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.ETManufacturing.in |title=CSIR-NAL, Pioneer Clean AMPS enter into tech license pact for trainer aircraft Hansa-3 (NG) - ET Manufacturing |url=https://manufacturing.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/aerospace-defence/csir-nal-pioneer-clean-amps-enter-into-tech-license-pact-for-trainer-aircraft-hansa-3-ng/119976302 |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=ETManufacturing.in |language=en}}</ref> On 29 November 2025, the production version of the Hansa-3 (NG) aircraft with an all-composite airframe was unveiled. Pioneer Clean AMPS has established a new production facility in Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh worth {{INRConvert|150|c|lk=on|year=2025}} with an annual capacity of 100 aircraft.<ref>{{Cite news|title=CSIR-NAL unveils 'production grade' Hansa-3 plane|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/csir-nal-unveils-production-grade-hansa-3-plane/article70339194.ece|work=The Hindu|date=2025-11-29|access-date=2025-12-02|issn=0971-751X|language=en-IN|first=Jacob|last=Koshy}}</ref>

==Operational history== On 14 May 1999, the first production variant of the Hansa conducted its first flight.<ref name="hindunet" /> Across the following four years, the type flew a cumulative 2,000 flight hours without incident, during which numerous satisfactory performance reports were submitted by trainee pilots. By 2004, sixteen production aircraft had reportedly been produced and delivered to various flying clubs while NAL retained three for its own purposes.<ref name="hindunet" /><ref name = "bang auth2018"/>

By September 2021, NAL had reportedly received 72 letters of intent, mainly from flying clubs, for the improved Hansa-NG.<ref name="DH21"/>

==Variants== *'''Hansa-2''' :Prototype as originally flown *'''Hansa-2RE''' :The prototype was re-engined and the span increased, first flown on 26 January 1996. *'''Hansa-3''' :Production version of the 2RE. *'''Hansa-S''' :Originally known as the Hansa-4 it has a more powerful diesel engine (230 hp).<ref>[http://www.le-webmag.com/article.php3?id_article=37&lang=en SMA SR305 to power the NAL Hansa 4]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.smaengines.com/spip.php?id_rubrique=1&id_article=7 |title=Official website - SMAengines |access-date=2008-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081228112608/http://www.smaengines.com/spip.php?id_rubrique=1&id_article=7 |archive-date=2008-12-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref> *'''Hansa UAV''' :Unmanned trainer aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.suasnews.com/2012/05/indias-nal-links-with-kadet-for-uav/ |title = India's NAL links with Kadet for UAV |publisher = suasnews.com |date = 24 May 2012 |first = Gary |last = Mortimer}}</ref> *'''Hansa-NG''' :Hansa "Next Generation", a more advanced version with better aerodynamics, manufacturing methods, and avionics, in development. It has a glass cockpit, a fuel injected engine and electrically operated flaps.<ref name = "Hansa-NG">{{Cite web |title = HANSA-NG - CSIR - NAL |url = https://www.nal.res.in/en/headersliderdetails?ar_id=13 |access-date = 24 September 2019 |website = nal.res.in}}</ref><ref>[https://www.aerospheres.com/news/Flying-High-with-Composites-Your-Essential-Guide-to-Aircraft-Composites/ Essential Guide to Aircraft Composites]</ref><ref name="DH21"/> Aircraft powered by Rotax 912iSc Engine with Digital display through CANAerospace protocol. Maiden flight was on 3rd September 2021. Flight Testing is on progress. Also glass cockpit system includes dual Aspen EFD1000pro, GPS integrated NAVCOM system and secondary COM system.

==Specifications (HANSA-3) == thumb|NAL Hansa at HAL museum thumb|NAL Hansa at HAL museum {{Aircraft specs |prime units? = met |ref= ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004''<ref name="Janes 03 p192">Jackson 2003, p. 192.</ref> |crew= two (pilot and instructor) |length m= 7.66 |length ft= 25 |length in= 1.5 |span m= 10.47 |span ft= 34 |span in= 4.25 |height m= 2.61 |height ft= 8 |height in= 7 |wing area sqm= 12.47 |wing area sqft= 134.2 |aspect ratio= 8.8:1 |empty weight kg= 545 |empty weight note= When equipped for night operations |empty weight lb= 1,202 |gross weight kg= 750 |gross weight lb= 1,653 |eng1 number= 1 |eng1 name= Rotax 914 F3 |eng1 kw= 85 |eng1 hp= 113 |max speed kmh= 231.5 |max speed mph= 143.85 |cruise speed kmh= 213 |cruise speed mph= 132 |range km= 842 |range miles= 523 |endurance= Four hours |ceiling m= 3,048 |ceiling ft= 10,000 |climb rate ms= 3.3 |climb rate ftmin= 650

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==See also== {{Aircontent  |related= |similar aircraft= * PZL-126 Mrówka * Air Tractor AT-602 |lists= |see also= }}

==References== ===Citations=== {{Reflist}}

===Bibliography=== * Jackson, Paul. ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004''. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Information Group, 2003. {{ISBN|0-7106-2537-5}}.

==External links== * [http://nal.res.in/pdf/hansa2015.pdf NAL's flyer on Hansa]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nal Hansa}} Category:1990s Indian civil trainer aircraft Hansa