SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s indigenous aviation ambitions are soaring with the upcoming test flight of the Saras Mk2, an upgraded civilian aircraft designed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL). Scheduled for December 2027, the milestone was announced by CSIR-NAL Director Abhay Pashilkar in an interview with The Hindu. The Saras Mk2, a revamped version of the 14-seater Saras prototype that first flew in 2004, aims to secure airworthiness certification through rigorous flight testing, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) expressing interest in acquiring at least 15 units for its fleet.
The Saras program faced a significant setback in 2009 when a prototype crashed during a test flight, tragically killing three IAF personnel. The incident halted progress until 2016, when the project was revived with a comprehensive overhaul. The Mk2 variant incorporates critical upgrades, including redesigned wings for improved aerodynamics and a repositioned engine to enhance performance and safety. These modifications address lessons learned from the earlier prototypes, ensuring the aircraft meets modern standards for reliability and efficiency.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s premier defence public sector undertaking, will lead the manufacturing efforts, leveraging its expertise in producing aircraft like the Tejas fighter and Dhruv helicopter. To accelerate the certification process, CSIR-NAL plans to build two Saras Mk2 prototypes, which will undergo extensive testing, including taxi trials—ground-based runs at varying speeds—before the first flight. Pashilkar noted that post-development, achieving the maiden flight will take approximately one year, with certification to follow after multiple successful tests.
The Saras Mk2’s avionics suite, a critical component of its cockpit instrumentation, will be sourced from Genesis, a specialized supplier. However, CSIR-NAL has developed an in-house “computer” to power several onboard systems, showcasing India’s growing self-reliance in aerospace technology. This indigenous computing platform underscores the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for core systems.
Designed as a versatile, multi-role aircraft, the Saras Mk2 is tailored for regional connectivity, capable of operating from short runways in remote areas—a key requirement for both civilian and military applications. For the IAF, the aircraft could serve as a light transport for personnel, cargo, or medical evacuation, complementing larger platforms like the C-295. Its 19-seater configuration (upgraded from the original 14 seats) offers enhanced capacity while maintaining fuel efficiency, making it ideal for India’s diverse terrains, from the Northeast to island territories.
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