Saras MK2 to be a game-changer to boost air connectivity: CSIR-NAL
ICATT Air Ambulance Service gave 2 LoIs for the aircraft for medical version of flying ICU and operation theatre
image for illustrative purpose
Hyderabad The Saras MK2 will be a game-changer to boost air connectivity under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Nagrik) scheme and it will be an ideal platform for ultra-critical flying services, said Dr Shekhar C Mande, Secretary of Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and Director General of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
He informed that International Critical Care Air Transfer Team (ICATT) Air Ambulance Service has given two letters of intent (LoIs) for Saras-MK2 aircraft for medical version of flying intensive care unit (ICU) and operation theatre. The ICATT is a specialised air ambulance service that helps with the aero-medical transfers of critically ill patients, accident victims, victims of natural disasters and internal organs.
Bengaluru-based National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), under the aegis of CSIR, has showcased the fully loaded 1:1 mockup of Saras MK2 with glass cockpit, cabin interiors including toilet, cargo compartments and other cabin safety features, during Wings India 2022 in Hyderabad. It also showcased other indigenous initiatives of civil aircraft for flying training and commuter air connectivity platforms.
Saras-MK2 is a 19-seat light transport aircraft with multirole capabilities like passenger transport, troop transport, VIP transport and Casevac (air ambulance). The aircraft is exclusively designed for operations from short runways, hot and high airfields, and semi-prepared runways for connecting tier-1 and tier-2 cities/ towns.
Saras-MK2 is one of the unique aircraft where operational benefits are maximised through the pressurized cabin, digital antiskid braking, autopilot with Cat II landing, two lever engine operation and lightweight materials, by keeping cost minimum. The aircraft has capability to fly up to 29,000 ft at maximum speed of 500 kmph with range of 778 km.
Jitendra Jadhav, Director of CSIR-NAL, also said that the Saras-MK2 will be an ideal candidate for promoting regional air connectivity under UDAN scheme. He said that the NAL is moving rapidly towards the commercialisation of aircraft and aerospace technologies for common man use to make India self-reliant under Atmanirbhar Bharat mission of the Central government.
