HAL Moves Ahead With Do-228 Civil Variant

Mobility Outlook Bureau
17 Aug 2021
10:04 AM
1 Min Read

The Hindustan-228 prototype aircraft (VT-KNR) will now complete a series of trials before obtaining Type Certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), enabling commercial flights in India.


HAL

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) Bengaluru complex and its Transport Aircraft Division (TAD) in Kanpur have completed the ground run and Low Speed Taxi Trials (LSTT) for the Hindustan-228 civil aircraft. 

The Hindustan-228 prototype aircraft (VT-KNR) will now complete a series of trials before obtaining Type Certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), enabling commercial flights in India. HAL is seeking to offer the Hindustan-228 support Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) for interested customers seeking to operate the type on intra and inter-state sectors. 

Hindustan-228 is offered in various configurations, such as commuter with 19 seats or 17 seats with a toilet; VIP/Executive with up to 11 seats, worktables, a galley and toilet and air ambulance with two stretchers with portable oxygen and additional seats for paramedical staff. The empty aircraft weighs around 3.8 tonne and has a Max Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 6.2 tonne, including 610 kg of fuel. 

Sajal Prakash, CEO, HAL's Accessories Complex, said, 'This is a major milestone for the first fixed-wing Made-in-India civil aircraft in India and a step towards strengthening regional air connectivity.'

Since the mid-eighties, HAL's Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur, has been manufacturing the Do-228 under license from the now defunct German aviation firm Dornier. The Do-228 is used by the Indian armed and paramilitary forces, and its commercial variant has been renamed as Hindustan-228. The aircraft is powered by a Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine fitted with an upgraded five-bladed composite propeller. 

Share This Page