The recent success story of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in the space of commercial aircraft taxi trials has garnered headlines. The public sector company has successfully carried out ground run and low speed taxi trials of a 19-seater commercial aircraft named “Hindustan-228” (Do-228). All this is part of HAL’s strategic efforts to aid and promote the central government’s UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme, aimed at launching 1,000 new air routes and establishing 100 new airports.
Hindustan-228: A Major Leap in Civil Transportation
The Do-228 aircraft marks the first serious attempt in India to develop a small civil transport aircraft post the discontinuation of the 14-seater Saras Aircraft development program at the National Aeronautics Laboratory (NAL) in 2009. Nonetheless, NAL has been promoting its SARAS Mk-2 (a 19-seater aircraft) for the UDAN scheme thanks to its ability to operate in “ill-equipped”, “semi-prepared” and “unpaved airstrips”.
Interestingly, the Hindustan-228 stands on the existing frame of the German Dornier 228 defence transport aircraft, heavily used by the defense forces. Two of these models produced by HAL for the UDAN scheme boast a maximum take off weight of 6200 kgs.
Innovative Features and Capabilities of Hindustan-228
Known for housing a digital cockpit, the Do-228 guarantees accurate readings, precise information, and data displays. This robust tool comes with feedback loops and a self-check feature that alerts pilots in emergencies. The aircraft proves its versatility by being useful in VIP transport, passenger transport, air ambulance service, flight inspection roles, cloud seeding, recreational activities, aerial surveillance, photography, remote sensing, and cargo transport. With a maximum cruise speed of 428 kmph and a range of 700 kmph, the aircraft is built for night flying.
Role of UDAN Scheme in Promoting Civil Aviation
The UDAN scheme, launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2016, seeks to develop the regional aviation market. Small civilian aircraft like the Hindustan-228 are at the heart of this scheme. By making flights economically viable on regional routes, the scheme aims to make flying affordable for the common man, even in small towns.
The scheme also promises connectivity to un-served and underserved airports through the revival of existing airstrips and airports. It offers financial incentives from the Centre, state governments, and airport operators to airlines to encourage operations from such airports, while keeping airfares affordable.
UDAN Scheme’s Significant Achievements
To date, the UDAN scheme has successfully operationalised around 325 routes and 56 airports, including 5 heliports and 2 water aerodromes. As part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (India@75)’, the Ministry of Civil Aviation proposed about 392 routes under the UDAN 4.1 bidding process. This fourth iteration of UDAN intends to focus on connecting smaller airports, along with special helicopter and seaplane routes.
Some new routes have also been proposed under the Sagarmala Seaplane services, which is an ambitious project under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways in collaboration with potential airline operators.