It is learnt that Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh chaired a meeting on 9 July at New Delhi to review the proposed national project to design, develop and produce a ‘futuristic’ civil airliner. This would involve creation of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to include Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) along with the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) and involvement of an array of DRDO labs as well as the scientific and industrial community. The SPV would also invite expertise from international groups and is estimated to cost Rs 4355 crores (US $730 million), which would be financed from the proposed National Investment Fund. Initially mooted as a 50‐70 seat turboprop airliner, differing perceptions changed this to a 90‐1 10 seat turbofan jetliner and the nodal design responsibility was vested with the National Aerospace Laboratory. However, after further studies, in December 2012 the project was recast as a 70‐90 seat turboprop airliner. With HAL designated as the systems integrator and production agency, NAL as the design and technology partner, with inputs from the Civil Aviation Ministry and various airlines. Private sector partnership is sought for involvement at every stage, while select international OEMs would be invited to be part of a joint venture company.
Source: Vayu Aerospace & Defence Review
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