Picture Credits: @RamMNK
New Delhi, INDIA: On April 3, 2025, Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu announced a technology transfer agreement between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) and Pioneer Clean AMPS Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai. The announcement took place at a high-profile event at the National Media Centre, attended by Science & Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. The agreement enables the manufacturing, commercialization, and after-sales support of the HANSA-3 (Next Generation) trainer aircraft. This public-private partnership aims to bridge gaps in India’s aviation training ecosystem and supports the Government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Marking a major step toward aviation self-reliance, India is accelerating domestic production of regional and training aircraft, with the HANSA-3 (NG) leading the charge. Designed by CSIR-NAL, the HANSA-3 NG is a modern, two-seater trainer aircraft set to transform pilot training and light aviation.
Addressing India’s Soaring Demand for Pilots
India’s commercial fleet has expanded from 390 aircraft in 2014 to 840 today, with another 1,700 aircraft on order. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu emphasized, “10 crore passengers are flying every year with just 840 aircraft, and the aviation industry has ordered another 1,700 planes. To service them, some 30,000 new pilots will be required.”
Picture Credits: @RamMNK
He added, “Hansa NG is a world-class plane with a Make in India welcome twist.” India’s airport network has also grown from 74 to 159, with a target to reach 300 airports in the near future. However, with only 37 operational flying schools, the demand for cost-effective, locally manufactured trainer aircraft is greater than ever.
The government believes HANSA-3 (NG) will help fulfill Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “hawai chappal to hawai udan.” Dr. Jitendra Singh stated, “The availability of CSIR’s indigenous HANSA-3(NG) aircraft will make India’s aviation industry robust and help realize PM Modi’s vision of India becoming a leading aviation hub by the end of the decade and Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
Next-Gen Capabilities with Competitive Edge
Originally developed over two decades ago, the HANSA aircraft has now been completely overhauled to meet the modern requirements of flight training. The new HANSA-3 (NG) features advanced aerodynamics, a glass cockpit with digital instrumentation, a bubble canopy offering a 360-degree view, and is powered by a fuel-efficient Rotax 912 iSc3 Sports engine. Its performance specs include:
- Cruising speed: 98 knots
- Range: 620 nautical miles
- Endurance: 7 hours (solo), 5 hours (dual)
- Electric flaps and all-composite airframe construction
Picture Credits: CSIR – NAL
These enhancements make the aircraft ideal for commercial pilot license (CPL) and private pilot license (PPL) training, as well as recreational flying, surveillance missions, and environmental monitoring.
Dr. Jitendra Singh remarked, “The aircraft will satisfy the requirements of flying clubs for obtaining PPL (Private Pilot License) and CPL (Commercial Pilot License) for the young generation.”
He added, “There is a need to develop a large and world-class flying training ecosystem in the country to meet the Indian aviation sector’s rapidly growing demand.”
Mass Production and Commercial Strategy
Pioneer Clean AMPS will manufacture an initial 36 aircraft per year and aims to upscale production to 72 units annually. CSIR-NAL has already received over 110 Letters of Intent (LOIs) from Flying Training Organizations (FTOs) across India, confirming strong market demand.
Picture Credits: @RamMNK
Priced under ₹3 crore, HANSA-3 (NG) costs less than half of its imported counterparts. Although some parts like the engine and avionics remain imported, the airframe and systems integration are entirely indigenous.
Dr. Abhay A Pashilkar, Director of CSIR-NAL, stated, “Hansa NG is the first aircraft designed and produced in India.”
CSIR DG N Kalaiselvi said, “To meet the domestic demand as well as export potential, CSIR-NAL has teamed up with the industry partner Pioneer Clean AMPS Pvt Ltd., Mumbai, who will aim to set up its manufacturing facility to build about 36 aircraft per year, and gradually upscale to 72 aircraft per year, furthering the aims and objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
She added, “The successful flying demonstration of HANSA-3(NG) at the recent Aero India 2025 shows the commitment of CSIR towards the national need of developing indigenous technologies to the end customers like Flying Training Organizations (FTOs).”
Vision for the Future: Regional Aircraft and E-HANSA
CSIR-NAL is also developing a 90-seater regional transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force, with commercial applications anticipated. The project is expected to deliver operational service by 2026.
Meanwhile, in response to climate change, CSIR-NAL is building an all-electric variant of the HANSA, called E-HANSA. Dr. Jitendra Singh noted, “The aircraft can also be used for surveillance purposes and environmental monitoring. In fact, NAL is also making an all-electric version of the Hansa plane in view of the concerns of climate change.”
This initiative will also create jobs, with on-the-job training for ITI and diploma holders in aircraft assembly, airworthy component manufacturing, and AME training.
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