The defence ministry said in a statement that it signed a 667-crore contract with state-run plane-maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday for six Dornier-228 aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to boost its operational capabilities.
The aircraft is ideally suited for short-haul operations from semi-prepared/short runways of the Northeast and island chains of India. The addition of six aircraft will strengthen the IAF’s operational capability in remote areas.
Significance of Dornier-228 Aircraft
The aircraft, which will be used for transport, will have a more fuel-efficient engine. The Dornier order comes after the defence ministry awarded HAL a 6,838-crore contract on Tuesday for 70 HTT-40 primary trainer aircraft. The new trainer aircraft, which has long been needed, will aid in the initial training of air force pilots. Basic trainers are among the many weapons and systems banned from import into India over the last 30 months. HAL will supply the IAF with Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) planes over a six-year period.
All rookie pilots are currently trained from the ground up on Swiss-made Pilatus PC-7 MkII planes and Kiran Mk-1/1A trainers. Those aspiring fighter pilots receive additional training on the British-made Hawk advanced jet trainers.
About Dornier-228 Aircraft
The 19-seat HAL – DO – 228 aircraft is a multi-purpose light transport aircraft. It was specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of utility and commuter transportation, third-level services and air-taxi operations, coast guard duties, and maritime surveillance. It performs various roles like
- Maritime Surveillance
- Pollution Prevention
- Troop Transport
- Aerial Survey
- Search and Rescue
- Commuter Transport
- Calibration of airport NAV-COM Aids
- Remote Sensing Applications
To crack the SSB Interview, You can join our SSB interview live classes batch and we recommend you to Enroll SSB INTERVIEW ONLINE COURSE. Trusted by thousands of defence aspirants.
Also read:
