NEW DELHI:Defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL) has agreed to provide 14 Dornier light utility aircraft to the Indian Air Force(IAF) at a cost of ‘1,090 crore.
According to T Suvarna, HAL chairman, the contract also includes 6 reserve engines, 1 flight simulator and associated equipment. The contract was signed on Wednesday and the delivery is expected to be completed in the next 3-4 years, sources said.
HAL Do-228 is a multi-purpose, fuel-efficient, rugged, light weight twin turboprop aircraft with a retractable tricycle landing gear.
The cockpit is designed to accommodate two crew members and is fitted with duplicate controls.
The cabin can accommodate 19 passengers in commuter configuration. HAL claims that these aircraft will be manufactured by the Transport Aircraft Division at Kanpur.
The Division takes care of the manufacturing of transport and trainer category of aircraft and has till date manufactured 125 HAL Do-228 aircraft for various defence and other customers.
This aircraft has been exported to Seychelles and Mauritius also.
Last year, one Dornier was supplied to Bangalore based Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) to be used as flying test bed (FTB) for evaluation of performance of various radars being developed by them, an official statement said.
In October, the Defence Acquisition Council had cleared the purchase of another 12 Dornier surveillance aircraft with enhanced sensors for the Navy for ‘1,850 crore.