The design for an improvised version of Saras MK II will be finalised after more sorties in the Saras PT1N by March. Saras MK II is expected to complete the certification process for both military and civilian use within the next four years. “The Finance Ministry has given in-principle approval for two prototypes of Saras MK II. In the next four years, the certification process would be completed,” said Dr Jitendra J. Jadhav, director of CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories. According to him, the new variant of Saras will have an imported Pratt and Whitney engine with an electronic control system. Incidentally, Saras PT1N has more than 70% indigenous content. “The project is firmly back on track and brings enormous value to the country because of the volume of indigenisation,” said Mr Shekar C. Mande, director-general of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. He said the improvised design for Saras will have considerable reduction in drag and weight and have unique features such as high-cruise speed, lower fuel consumption, short landing and takeoff distance, low cabin noise, and being operable from high and hot airfields.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/
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