India Launches Indigenous Trainer Aircraft for CPL, Private Sector Involvement Announced

Dr. Jitendra Singh praised the work of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) scientists for their dedication to the development and commercialization of the HANSA-3(NG) aircraft.

In a significant development for India's aviation industry, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh officially launched the indigenous "Trainer Aircraft" technology for Commercial Pilot Licensing (CPL), a step towards strengthening the nation's aviation ecosystem. The launch of this indigenously designed and developed trainer aircraft is a major milestone in India's bid to become a global aviation hub.

At a ceremony held today at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, Dr. Jitendra Singh formalized the Transfer of Technology (ToT) for the CSIR-developed HANSA-3(NG) trainer aircraft. This two-seater aircraft, designed specifically for CPL training, has received licensing approval for manufacturing to M/s Pioneer Clean Amps Pvt. Ltd. The move aims to bolster India's capabilities in pilot training, which is critical as the country faces a growing demand for qualified pilots.

Dr. Jitendra Singh praised the work of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) scientists for their dedication to the development and commercialization of the HANSA-3(NG) aircraft. He highlighted that this aircraft will be pivotal in fulfilling the training needs of flying clubs across the country, which provide both Private Pilot License (PPL) and CPL training to aspiring pilots. By introducing such advanced, cost-effective training aircraft, India is set to support the next generation of aviation professionals.

Strengthening India’s Aviation Training Ecosystem

Emphasizing the importance of a robust flying training ecosystem, Dr. Singh noted that the availability of indigenous trainer aircraft like HANSA-3(NG) will significantly contribute to the rapidly growing aviation sector in India. The country is expected to see a surge in demand for pilots as its aviation industry expands, with over 1,700 aircraft on order for Indian airlines. As part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for India to become a leading aviation hub by the end of the decade and to achieve the goal of "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) by 2047, initiatives like the HANSA-3(NG) will be essential to meet the burgeoning need for qualified aviation professionals.

The HANSA-3(NG) is a product of CSIR's relentless efforts in developing indigenous technologies to meet national needs, and the aircraft is designed with cutting-edge features. It is equipped with a digital display system, a glass cockpit, and a Rotax 912 iSc3 Sports engine that offers superior fuel efficiency. The aircraft boasts a range of 620 nautical miles, a maximum cruise speed of 98 Knots Calibrated Airspeed (KCAS), and an impressive endurance of seven hours. Its advanced features, including electrically operated flaps and a bubble canopy with a cabin width of 43 inches, ensure it meets the modern requirements of aviation training.

Opening Doors for Private Sector Collaboration

Dr. Singh also stressed the importance of involving the private sector in the production of these trainer aircraft, which would not only help meet the demand for pilot training but also contribute to the development of the aviation industry’s infrastructure in India. By collaborating with private sector entities like M/s Pioneer Clean Amps Pvt. Ltd., the government plans to catalyze the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the aviation sector. This initiative will enable MSMEs to participate in the production of airworthy components, aircraft assembly, and integration of the aircraft, thereby creating significant employment opportunities and promoting the concept of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-reliant India).

Dr. Singh also emphasized that the integration of startups and MSMEs into the aviation supply chain would create a substantial number of jobs and offer on-the-job training to ITI and diploma holders in fields like aircraft building and aircraft maintenance engineering (AME). This could result in the creation of a skilled workforce capable of sustaining India’s growing aviation sector.

A Vision for the Future of Pilot Training

The government's focus on democratizing and decentralizing pilot training is also set to reduce the costs associated with becoming a pilot. This would address a major barrier to entry for many aspiring aviators who abandon their dreams due to the high costs of training. By increasing access to affordable training opportunities, Dr. Singh envisions that more young people will be able to pursue careers in aviation, thus contributing to the country’s long-term economic growth.

As India gears up for the need of an additional 30,000 pilots in the next 15-20 years, from the current 6,000-7,000 pilots, the aviation training infrastructure is under urgent development. This move towards indigenization is expected to fill the gap by providing world-class training and aircraft that will help meet the demand for qualified pilots. The HANSA-3(NG) aircraft will play a crucial role in ensuring that the Indian aviation sector remains competitive globally.

Collaboration for Expanding Manufacturing Capacity

As part of the plan to meet domestic demand and explore export opportunities, CSIR-NAL (National Aerospace Laboratories) has already received Letters of Intent (LOIs) for more than 110 HANSA-3(NG) aircraft from Flying Training Organizations (FTOs) across India. The manufacturing facility set up by M/s Pioneer Clean Amps Pvt. Ltd. in Mumbai will aim to produce 36 aircraft annually, with plans to scale up production to 72 aircraft per year. This partnership aligns with the goals of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and aims to provide high-quality training aircraft for both domestic and international markets.

Socio-Economic Impact

The launch of the HANSA-3(NG) trainer aircraft is expected to have a profound socio-economic impact on the country. It will not only enhance the aviation sector’s self-reliance but also generate employment across various skill levels. The move is aligned with India’s broader vision of enhancing its industrial capabilities, reducing reliance on foreign imports, and creating a sustainable, homegrown aviation ecosystem that can compete with global standards.

Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR & Director General of CSIR, congratulated the CSIR-NAL team on the successful flying demonstration of the HANSA-3(NG) at Aero India 2025, emphasizing that such advancements in indigenous technologies are crucial for meeting national needs. The aircraft's commercialization marks a significant step toward fulfilling the government's objectives of bolstering the nation's aviation infrastructure.

 

The launch of the HANSA-3(NG) trainer aircraft represents a major step forward in the development of India's aviation sector. By supporting private sector participation, creating job opportunities, and promoting indigenous technologies, India is well on its way to becoming a global aviation leader. The government's continued focus on building a world-class pilot training ecosystem will ensure that the nation's aviation sector can meet the rapidly growing demand for pilots while contributing to the broader goal of a self-reliant India.