Saras Mk2:
The Saras Mk2, an updated version of an India-designed civilian aircraft, is set to test-fly in December 2027, Director, CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) told recently.
- Saras Mk2 is a 19-seater, multi-purpose civilian aircraft.
- It is the first Indian multi-purpose civilian aircraft in the light transport aircraft category.
- It is being developed by National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru, in collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
- It is an upgraded version of the Saras Mk 1.
- It can be used for multiple purposes, including for medical emergencies or in the event of natural disasters.
- It can also help in transporting passengers from Tier-1 cities to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
- It will be a 7.5-ton aircraft and will have an endurance of 6 hours with a service ceiling of 29,000 ft.
- It will have a maximum range of 775 km with a max load of 19 passengers and 2450 km with 7 passengers.
- Its maximum cruise speed will be 500 kmph and stall speed 185 kmph.]The take-off distance for SARAS MK2 is going to be 790m, landing distance of 740m.
- The aircraft will be powered by 2 Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67A turboprop engines.
