India’s Growing Aviation Sector Sets Stage for Development of 72-Seater Aircraft

Indian aircraft development: India may soon be able to lead the way in aircraft development. Carrier demand for Indigo, Air India, and Akasa is growing, as the Indian aviation sector is expected to rank among the top five in the world.

One of the largest orders in aviation history, they have together made orders for more than 1400 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus.

Indian Aircraft Development

India needs an all-encompassing National Aerospace Policy to realize the dream of “Made in India” passenger aircraft and advance the regional aerospace industry. Interestingly, the large orders obtained have not yet prompted Airbus or Boeing to build final aeroplane assembly lines (FALs) in India.

India has put forth a lot of pressure on itself to build assembly lines, following the success of comparable projects outside. India has the biggest order book for new aircraft, projected at a startling $70 billion over the next ten years, thanks to its aviation business expanding at an unparalleled rate. While new airports are either being planned or built, the ones that are now in operation are busy with passengers.

Many variables will determine when India can achieve the Prime Minister’s goal of a made-in-India commercial aircraft. Making use of its strengths in the export of aerospace technologies and IT services, India is well-positioned for future growth.

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The Performance of China’s C919 and ARJ21 Programs

While the US and Europe have long dominated the commercial aerospace manufacturing industry, China has now shown itself to be a serious competitor. China’s adventure started in 2002 with the ARJ21 regional jet and then the C919, a bigger narrow-body plane. A major success, the C919 has over a thousand orders, whereas the ARJ21 had delays and is considered a modest accomplishment.

Both programs emphasize the value of partnerships and the need to foster an environment that attracts foreign businesses to operate in China by largely depending on foreign technologies obtained from international original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Indian HAL Has 80 Years of History

India, too, has a fast-expanding aerospace industry that began before the country gained independence, more than 60 years before China did. Leading this adventure was Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), formerly known as Hindustan Aircraft Ltd., founded in 1940. Given its early founding, India was well-positioned to become a significant force in the aircraft industry.

The development of aircraft for defence purposes is mostly the responsibility of HAL. These aircraft include the TEJAS, attack and multirole helicopters, trainer aircraft, and most famously, the Dornier D228 passenger version aircraft, which was a breakthrough for the Indian Aerospace Industry. Even more demonstrating India’s aerospace potential is the growing demand for helicopters.

Needs of the Indian Aviation Industry

One disadvantage of the defence industry is the insecurity of government finances and the time it takes to allocate money for helicopter purchases. On the civil front, there is always a high demand for aircraft, particularly when they meet passenger needs and receive regular approval from authorities.

Because of its unique aviation sector, India requires special aircraft projects. With so many people flying, short-haul flights from rural areas to big cities are widely preferred. The present 140 airports are predicted to rise to 230–240 as the air travel network reaches Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

As per Jetline Marvel, Airlines urgently need smaller aircraft, especially to service Tier 1-3 cities. Even though the Dornier aircraft has been used on select routes, worries have been expressed about its noise levels and availability. Indian passengers find jet jets to be more comfortable and efficient, which better suits the requirements of airlines.

Building a sustainable aircraft program takes time and a lot of risk capital, and it frequently needs government assistance similar to what is seen in industrialized nations. For example, COMAC got substantial state-related funding over its existence, ranging from $49 to $72 billion, whereas Airbus over the years earned $22 billion from the EU.

Growing the aerospace industry and supporting the development of indigenous aircraft in India need private investment. Such projects would greatly support the nation’s aviation sector and increase its independence in this vital area.

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Indian Regional Jet (IRJ)

introducing the Indian Regional Jet (IRJ), a cutting-edge project that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will manufacture in India under the direction of National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL). With its 80–100 seat capacity, this regional airplane seeks to reinvent air travel. At 80–90 seats, the base model, the RTA-70, will set itself apart with a price that is 20% less than that of its international competitors.

Planning is well advanced, and by 2026 a 90-seater version is predicted to take off. Impressive specifications for this next generation aircraft include a 1,350 nm (2,500 km) range and 900 m (2,950 ft) take-off and landing field length. Its wingspan is 29.4 meters and its length is 28.6 meters. It meets Stage 4 noise requirements and cruises at 300 knots, reaching a service ceiling of 30,000 feet.

SARAS Jetcraft

The creative attitude of NAL also permeates the NAL SARAS, another ongoing project. Prototypes such as the MK-1 and the MK-2, which is its sequel, are already pushing the envelope. With ranges of 600 km with 19 passengers, 1,200 km with 14 passengers, and an astounding 2,000 km with eight passengers, the SARAS MK-2 is a versatile aircraft. It is revolutionary with a top cruise speed of more than 600 km/h and a six-hour endurance.

• Max. take-off: 7600 kg (16755 lb)
• Operating empty wt.: 5100 kg (11244 lb)
• Max. fuel weight: 1832 kg (4039 lb)
• Max. pay load: 1710 kg (3770 lb)

Main Dimensions

• Span: 18 m (59.05 ft)
• Length: 17.3 m (56.8 ft)
• Height: 5.5 m (18 ft)

Performance (ISA)

• Take-off Distance: 820 m (2690 ft)
• Landing Distance: 665 m (2182 ft)
• Max. rate of climb: 10 m/s (1980 ft/min)
• Max. Range (19 Pax): 750 km (405 nm)
• Max. Range (10 Pax): 2350 km (1270 nm)
• Ferry Range: 2400 km (1295 nm)
• Max. cruise speed: 485 km/hr (260 Kts)
• Endurance: 6 hours. With 45-minute reserve

The SARAS, which initially runs on propeller engines, is prepared to switch to jet engines in the future if the project calls for it. NAL’s cost-effective strategy, which aims to sell the SARAS MK-2 for ₹50 crore per unit—below the ₹55 crore Dornier 228 with its unpressurized cabin and altitude limitations—betrays its ambition. With an initial order of 15 aircraft from the Indian Air Force which may grow to 120–140 units in the next years, NAL hopes to acquire orders for 50–60 units to assure production sustainability.